Tips & Treatment for Sleep Disorders

Eight hours of sleep is the recommended amount of sleep for most adults to feel well rested. Millions of Americans do not get the sleep they need. Over time, this can cause health problems or make existing health problems worse. There are many things that can cause sleep interruptions such as stress, a sick child, working long hours, light or noise from traffic or tv, feeling too hot or cold, or alcohol.

There are four types of sleep problems:

Insomnia is the inability to sleep and abnormal wakefulness. Insomnia describes trouble falling asleep, having trouble getting back to sleep, and waking up too early. Occasionally it is okay to have trouble falling asleep. Certain medicines can keep you awake. Consuming alcohol or eating close to bedtime can make it hard to fall asleep as well. If insomnia lasts for a few weeks or more, it is considered chronic, and you should see your doctor. This form of sleep disorder is more common in females, depressed persons, and people over 60. Sleep-inducing medicines and lifestyle changes can help most insomnia sufferers.

Snoring is rough, noisy breathing, during sleep, due to the vibration of the uvula and soft palate. Snoring can sometimes be stopped by losing weight, cutting back on smoking and alcohol, and sleeping on your side. Nasal strips, such as Breathe-Right Strips, can help prevent snoring.

Sleep apnea describes traumatic periods of cessation of breathing during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea; central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. If you snore loud and often, and are sleepy during the day, you may have sleep apnea. This is very common but dangerous. Breathing can stop during sleep for about 10-60 seconds. You wake up trying to breathe and this is continued throughout the night. Sleep apnea becomes dangerous when you may not wake up. You may feel sleepy during the day. Overweight persons are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea and it affects men more often than women. Sleep apnea is treated with CPAP, a device that pushes air through the airway. Sufferers can also avoid beer & cigarettes, along with sleep aids, lose weight, or consider surgery for restricted airways.

Narcolepsy is recurrent, uncontrollable, brief episodes of sleep. Feeling tired during the day, where sleepiness affects daily life, is a problem. Narcoleptics usually exhibit slowed thinking, trouble paying attention, crankiness, and heavy eyelids. These patients are still sleepy after a full night's sleep. If you fall asleep in less than five minutes, you may have a serious sleep disorder.

Tips

Set a bed time and wake up at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime. Keep your exercise to more than 2 hours before bedtime. Don't eat two hours before bedtime. If you take naps, take them before 3 p.m. Keep your room dark and quiet and at a comfortable temperature. Read a book or take a warm bath 30 minutes before bed. If you still haven't fallen asleep after 20 minutes, find something relaxing to do until you get sleepy.