Sleep Problems

What is a Sleeping Disorder

While sleep is absolutely essential for normal, healthy functioning, most people experience sleep problems, commonly referred to as insomnia, at some stage in their lives. Different people require different amounts of sleep. Some adults can routinely get by on as little as four hours sleep and others may require more than ten hours. Babies and very young children sleep for up to 16 hours per day. As we get older we require less sleep and many people over 70 years of age can happily exist on six hours sleep per day

Anxiety, Stress& Worry

People that cannot turn off from issues that are causing them stress or anxiety often have difficulty getting to sleep. If something is preying on your mind, causing you to worry, it can be difficult to get off to sleep and even if you do it your sleep may be restless.

Effect of Ageing Can Cause Sleep Problems

As people get older they naturally require less sleep. This is because their lives become more sedentary and the body requires less rest. Snoozing during the day can also be a contributory factor as a lot of older people find that it is easy to catnap thereby reducing the need for sleep when they go to bed. If this is something that affects you it is important recognise this and not to fret or to be concerned. This may add to your sleeplessness at night.

Medical Reasons for Sleep Problems

There are a number of medical conditions that can lead to sleep disturbance. Some of these may also be age-related such as frequency of urination throughout the night. About two-thirds of pensioners need to visit the toilet at least once during the night. This is also something that affects pregnant women and getting back to sleep can be difficult which leads to frustration which, in turn, compounds the sleeping difficulty.

Any form of pain or physical disorder can run interference with your sleeping patterns. Many medical conditions including back pain, arthritis, broken limbs, headaches, and a frozen shoulder can all make falling asleep, and staying asleep, problematic. Some medications prescribed for other conditions may also cause restless sleep and if you suspect this may be a contributory factor to your disturbed sleep please consult with your GP.

Emotional or Relationship Problems as a Cause of Insomnia

Emotional or relationship problems are a common cause of sleep loss. Humans are highly emotional beings and any upset in our relationships can be very disruptive in our lives in general, and to our sleep patterns specifically. Bereavement and relationship breakdown are two primary causes of insomnia.

Environmental Issues that can Cause Difficulties Sleeping

Some people find it difficult to get restful sleep when in a strange bed or in a different environment. These are usually short term issues however it is important to pay attention to your bedroom environment and eliminate any factors that might disturb your sleep.

Symptoms of Sleep Problems

Sleeplessness affects almost everyone at some stage and if it is a short-lived episode that does not regularly occur then this is nothing about which to be concerned. However some people have problems distinguishing between one-off events or the beginnings of a sleep problem that may become chronic. If you can relate to some or all of the following symptoms you may be suffering from a sleep disorder:

How to Prevent Sleep Problems

In many cases it is possible to avoid insomnia or sleep difficulties by making the right lifestyle choices and .

Sleep Problems Treatment

The best way to deal with sleep problems is to prevent them occurring a by adopting the prevention measures above. However some sleep disorders are actually symptoms of other underlying medical conditions. Usually the treatment for the underlying condition eventually addresses the associated sleeping problems.

Sleeping pills have a role to play in chronic sleep disorder cases and for once-off events but should not be used continuously. The pills that are used to induce drowsiness are often the same as those used to relieve anxiety. The most common anxiety drugs and sleeping tablets are the benzodiazepines, which enhance the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid. The benzodiazepines used as sleeping pills include diazepam (Valium) and temazepam (Restoril). Sufferers may quickly develop a tolerance to this drugs and should not be used on a long term basis.

How to Cure Sleep Problems

There is generally no single cure for sleep problems. Prevention measures are the most realistic avenues for many people. Conventional medicine has made some advances in diagnosing the causes of, and treating sleep problems however very many people turn to complementary and alternative treatments. Highly successful therapies include Reiki, Kinesiology, CranioSacral, and Homeopathy. If you have tried conventional methods without finding an sleep problem cure there are a number of complementary therapists listed on this site that may have the solution to your skin difficulties.

Medical Conditions - Acne - Anxiety - Back Pain - Depression - Fatigue - Frozen Shoulder
Hay Fever - Headache - Migraine - Sleep Problems - Stress