Sleeping disorders seem to be plaguing the nation; an increasing number of adults are complaining about the lack of sleep during the night. While this issue can be largely attributed to our busier lifestyles, many people are still in doubt when it comes to dealing with these disorders, and have very limited knowledge as to what can be done about them. Here are answers to some of the questions posed about sleeping disorders;
1. Why am I Having a Hard Time Sleeping?
Your problem of finding it difficult to fall asleep during the night can be caused by a number of contributing factors. Most of the time, this is due to some type of sleeping disorder developed over time as a result of certain unfavourable habits you have. Lack of what is called good ‘sleep hygiene’ which refers to the activities you involve in right before bedtime and in preparation for sleep have been highlighted by sleep apnoea specialists as one of the main reasons for not feeling sleepy during the night.
Listening to loud music, watching television, reading books in bed, using the mobile phone or laptop in bed, playing video games right before bedtime, drinking alcohol and caffeine, smoking and the use of drugs have all been found to make sleep more elusive while disrupting sleep patterns once it is finally achieved. See if you need any lifestyle changes that will help you get more sleep and put them into practice effectively to check if the amount of sleep you get can be increased.
2. What Can I Do about this?
There are a few remedies you can try right at home to improve your sleeping habits. Engaging in regular exercise, taking a hot bath or shower right before bedtime, eating a sufficient but not too large a dinner, having a favourable atmosphere in your bedroom which supports sleep rather than hinder it as well as drinking a hot beverage free of caffeine such as a glass of milk or a cup of tea can contribute towards helping your body and mind welcome sleep rather than reject it. If these attempts fail, you can always seek medical assistance such as insomnia treatment to help you recover from this stage quicker and more effectively.
3. What Might be the Long-term Effects?
If untreated, unhealthy sleeping habits can have serious consequences in the short run and even more severe ones in the long run. Lack of sleep directly affects your physical strength and health; not enough rest means your body has not got the opportunity of preparing to face another day, which makes it weak and tired right through the day. A continuous cycle of lack of sleep and lack of energy can slowly reduce your physical capabilities. Insufficient sleep also affects your brain by reducing your ability to focus and pay, making your attention span shorter and your concentration skills weaker. Your memory may also be affected as time goes by, as the brain is not equipped enough to process and understand information. Your psychological health may also be affected as you will have increased levels of stress and tension due to lack of rest, which can in turn lead to mood swings and even depression.