Below is information - including symptoms, causes and possible sleep aids treatment options -- on some of the more common sleep-related problems and sleeping disorders.
Poor Sleep Habits
Poor sleep habits (referred to as hygiene) are one of the most common problems encountered in our society. We stay up too late and get up too early.
We interrupt our sleep with drugs, chemicals, work, and we overstimulate ourselves with late-night activities such as television.
Insomnia
Insomnia is the inability to sleep or inability to sleep well at night. Many different medical and mental health problems cause insomnia. Insomnia may be situational, lasting a few days to weeks, or chronic, lasting for more than 1 month.
Around 9-12 percent of the American population report chronic insomnia. In severe cases, patients experience fatigue, sleepiness, difficulty concentrating and difficulty with thinking.
Many sufferers feel that they have been robbed of the joy of life.
Insomnia may be a symptom of breathing problems at night like sleep apnea, of medical illness like heart failure, a side effect of medications, or a symptom of severe anxiety or depression illness.
An evaluation by the patient's personal physician or a sleep specialist often helps get to the root of the problem and cure insomnia . |
