@eommaZel 25 October 2020 more from that month

What's your Sleep Problem?

*“The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to.”* ***– F. Scott Fitzgerald***

***Sleep,*** we all know that we need to sleep and it is necessary. People must stay awake for some hours at least out of the 24 hours in a day. It is needed in restoring our energy in our day to day living. Can we stay awake all the time? I know you can answer this question. Everyone knows that sleeplessness leaves our body being mentally, physically, and emotionally tired and weakened. What makes us fall Asleep? The amount of melatonin in our bodies starts increasing in the evening and peaks in the middle of the night, letting us know it is time to sleep. Some people can fall asleep easily. Just lying down in a dimly lighted room and with just a wink, instantly, they fall asleep. However, some people have trouble getting to sleep. I have experienced trouble falling asleep before. And it was caused by thinking too much. ***Are you experiencing sleep problems too?*** ***What's your Sleep Problem?*** Sleep problems can be caused by various factors. Although factors may differ, the outcome of all sleep disorders is that the body's natural cycle of bedtime and daytime wakefulness is disrupted or intensified. Sleep Problems or Sleep Disorders Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect the capacity to sleep well regularly. Whether they are affected by a health problem or by too much stress. *Do you have trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night?* *Or do you wake up too early or have a hard time waking up at all, and you are overly tired during the day?* ***You may not know you have one of the following sleep problems.*** **Insomnia** It is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It may also be an indication of another condition. The disorder is most common among older adults and women. **Sleep apnea** This is a serious medical condition that causes the body to take in less oxygen. It can also result in you waking up during the night. This is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. ***Two types of Sleep Apnea*** **obstructive sleep apnea**, where the flow of air stops because airway space is too narrow, and **central sleep apnea**, where there is a problem in the connection between the brain and the muscles that control your breath. **Parasomnias** These are a group of sleep disorders that cause unusual activities and behaviors during sleep. They include sleepwalking, sleep talking, groaning, nightmares, bedwetting, teeth grinding, or jaw clenching. **Restless leg syndrome** Restless leg syndrome is an irresistible need to move the legs. This urge is sometimes supported by a tingling feeling in the legs. **Narcolepsy** This is illustrated by “sleep attacks” that happen while awake. This means that you will suddenly feel incredibly tired and fall asleep without warning. The disorder can also cause sleep paralysis, which may make you physically incapable to move straight after awakening. How are sleep disorders treated? Treatment for sleep disorders can vary depending on the type and underlying cause. However, it generally includes a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes. ***I can't get to sleep.*** Most of us have experienced this. Lying in the bed and just staring at the ceiling, waiting for the sleep fairy to visit you. Try to build up a regular go-to-bed and get-up time. Also remember to rest in a quiet, dark, or dim place to restore your strength and peace of mind almost as well as sleep, anyway. Also, try to be warm. and comfortable, have some fresh air. You can also eat something that might help you (some people sleep better after a snack, others after a big meal). ***I can't stay awake.*** There are times when we have some important appointments and matters to do, it's embarrassing to wake up so late in the right accumulated time. If this embarrassing disability hits you just like after lunch, as it usually does, try to cut down the amount of food you eat. If you want to be awake for a certain time you can eat earlier as usual and have a nap afterward. You must not feel guilty about naps. Many efficient workers and thinkers have made naps a daily practice (such as Thomas Edison and Winston Churchill). ***Sleeping on your left side.*** Is it true you shouldn't sleep on your left side because of your heart? The answer is No. In the first place, your heart is near the middle of your chest cavity, and in the second place, you're pretty sure to be on your left side sooner or later during normal sleep movements. ***I can't stay awake driving.*** This is one of the main reasons why road accidents happen. Drivers fell asleep while driving especially during a long ride. If you're sleepy don't try to combat it. If there's nobody to relieve you at the wheel, pull off to the side of the road and have a short rest or nap. The best way to treat and overcome your sleep problems is through lifestyle changes. Lifestyle adjustments can greatly improve your quality of sleep, especially when they’re done along with medical treatments. You may want to consider: have more vegetables and fish in your diet, and try reducing your sugar intake. reduce stress and anxiety by exercising and stretching. create and stick to a regular sleeping schedule Drink less water before bedtime and constraining your caffeine intake, particularly in the late afternoon or night lessening tobacco and alcohol use eating up smaller low carbohydrate meals before bedtime and sustain a healthful weight Good sleep is crucial for optimal health and can affect hormone levels, mood, and weight. We humans need to sleep to be productive too. Never let these sleep problems prevent you from doing your tasks and obligations daily. Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. *“The minute anyone’s getting anxious I say, You must eat and you must sleep. They’re the two vital elements for a healthy life.”* *–* ***Francesca Annis*** *“Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”* *—* ***Thomas Dekker*** `Source:` `https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/disorders#types` All Images from Unsplash 🖼️ @eommaZel ✍🏻