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Sleep Problems
Sleep problems are affecting more
than a third of the adult population. The most common
sleep problems are; Sleep apnea, Narcolepsy, Restless
Legs Syndrome, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder and
Insomnia.
Although there are more than 100
types of sleep disorders, there is one symptom that a
majority of them share and that is sleep deprivation.
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for
restoration and in the development of the body and
mind. Without it we are likely to experience more than
one of the following:
- Irritability or sleepiness during
the day.
- Difficulty concentrating at work.
- Poor performance at work.
- Tired aching muscles.
- Difficulty remembering things.
- Feel as though you are unable to
cope with stress.
- Slow to react in situations.
- Feel like napping during the day.
- Rely on stimulants such as caffeine
to keep you going.
The most common sleep problem is
insomnia. Sufferers experience a considerable lack of
quality sleep. This can result in insufficient sleep
to meet the needs of the body, or to allow you to feel
refreshed and energetic throughout the day. Insomnia
can be classified as transient, intermittent, and
chronic.
Causes are often stress related, or
due to poor sleep habits or psychiatric condition.
Thousands of accidents a year occur due to falling
asleep or loss of concentration, mainly while driving
or operating dangerous machinery. Its total cost, in
terms of illness, injuries, and decreased quality of
life is staggering.
There are various ways to tackle
insomnia including relaxation, stress reduction,
behavior modification as well as alternative therapies
such as hypnotherapy. For most however, the sleeping
pill has become the favored choice to combat insomnia.
Little known to most sleeping pills
are generally bad news as they will break down your
body's natural sleep cycle and make sleep very
difficult in the long term. Studies have shown that
the effects of prolonged use of sleeping pills have an
overall negative effect on the sufferer and has been
concluded that sufferers of insomnia are better off
without them.
Unfortunately insomnia can affect us
all regardless of gender, age or race, it does not
discriminate. If you are experiencing from one of the
following, you might be at risk of developing a sleep
disorder:
- Disruptive sleep environment.
- Excessive intake of stimulants such
as caffeine.
- Illness.
- Obesity.
- Shift work and night shifts.
- Travelling frequently between
different time zones.
- Depression or any other
psychological disorder.
- Excessive stress.
- A poor sleep routine.
- Frequent daytime napping
Fortunately it is possible to reduce
the risk of developing sleep problems, such as paying
attention to your lifestyle and consulting with your
doctor to learn how you can improve your health.
Educate yourself about sleep, its stages and also how
you can develop healthy sleep habits.
If you want to find out more about
sleep and how you can beat sleep problems sign up for
our Free Newsletter below.
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