Sleep
Scientific research has proved beyond doubt that sleepiness and fatigue, as well as sleeplessness can affect everyone’s health, safety, productivity and well being. People are slow to seek the advice and treatment of a health care provider for sleep problems. Patients with sleep problems should obtain appropriate treatment to experience the difference in mood, alertness or energy after a good night’s sleep. More people should take sleep seriously.
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, waking too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep. Insomnia can be transient (lasting for several days), intermittent (when transient insomnia wears) or chronic (lasting for more than a month).
For people experiencing insomnia, it is recommended that they examine their sleep habits to see if the sleeplessness is connected with the diet, exercise patterns, sleeping environment or personal habits. If changing these factors does not alleviate the insomnia symptoms then discussing behavioral and/or pharmacological treatment options with a healthcare provider could also help. Insomnia can be treated. But it requires taking action to identifying the root of the problem and talking with your doctor.
A “sleep debt” affects one in ways that they do not even realize. Few recognize the importance of adequate rest or are aware that effective methods of preventing and managing sleep problems now exist.
Sleep is not merely a “time out” from our busy routines. It is essential for good health, mental and emotional functioning and safety.
Researchers have found that people with chronic insomnia are more likely than others to develop several kinds of psychiatric problems and are also likely to make greater use of health care services. People suffering from sleep apnea are likely to have higher blood pressure while they sleep and suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness.
Even occasional sleeping problems can make daily life more stressful or cause you to be less productive. Those who say they had trouble getting enough sleep report a greater difficulty concentrating, accomplishing required tasks and handling minor irritants.
Overall, sleep loss has been found to impair the ability to perform tasks involving memory, learning and logical reasoning. This may contribute to mistakes or unfulfilled potential at school or on the job and strained relationship at home. In fact, sleeplessness has been found to be a significant contributor to absenteeism.
Sleep time is a time when a lot is actually happening. Normal sleepers have a relatively predictable “sleep architecture”. This term is used to describe an alternating pattern or REM “rapid eye movement” and non REM sleep. REM sleep is when you dream and is characterized by a high level of mental and physical activity. In fact, the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing are similar to what is experienced when awake.
Scientists define the best sleep as having the right mix of REM and non REM sleep. Getting enough sleep without interruptions from the environment or from internal factors such as breathing is more likely to maintain the natural sleep architecture and this can result in restful and restorative sleep. Young or old, sleep has high therapeutic value. Youngsters and teenagers have to take note of this. With their fast and stressful lifestyle sleep often plays a secondary role. Lack of sleep can also cause mood swings and obesity and can reduce one’s immunity.
Tips for healthy and sound sleep
Keep away from stimulants like caffeine found in coffee, chocolate, cocoa, colas, caffeinated teas and alcohol.
Always keep regular hours to help you form a proper schedule to maintain your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Avoid excessive exercises just before sleep.
Avoid heavy meals at night.
Herbal tea or green tea at bed time can be beneficial as they have sleep promoting properties.