Sleep is a very important and complicated process that involves the body and mind. When sleep is interrupted regularly or is not restorative, it's important to understand what is preventing adequate sleep. Ask yourself if you are just experiencing a stressful period or if it's something more serious such as insomnia.
During sleep body tissues are repaired and the body becomes healed and refreshed. The brain is involved in a lot of activity throughout the day and it's during sleep that the brain is able to process this information. It can then dismiss what's not needed and store what is important. For this to take place, people usually need about eight hours of sleep, although this will vary from person to person.
Sleep is divided into four stages with the most important of those being REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. REM sleep is extremely important because it's during this phase that the brain completes absorbing and sorting out the information. Stage three and four, which is delta sleep, is when the physical benefits are reaped and body tissues are repaired.
Insomnia sleep disorder is not defined by the number hours of sleep that one person receives during a night or how long it takes them to fall asleep. Individuals are very different when it comes to sleep and how much they require. Rather, insomnia is the case where one has troubling falling asleep or staying asleep through the night.
Insomnia sleep disorder can be classified as temporary, intermittent or chronic. Insomnia that lasts from one night to a couple of weeks is known as temporary. If periods of temporary insomnia occur from time to time but not on a regular basis, that type of insomnia is known as intermittent. If the insomnia happens on most nights and lasts for a month or more, this is a chronic form of insomnia.
Certain people are more prone to develop insomnia than others. These groups of people include: being in the over-60 age group, being a female, or having a history of depression. If other conditions are combined with those groups such as stress, anxiety, a medical problem, or certain medications, insomnia is more likely to occur.
Insomnia sleep disorder is diagnosed through looking at the person's medical history as well as their sleep history. The sleep history may be determined by the patient keeping a sleep diary. Speaking with the patient's bed partner may also help to discover sleep patterns and quality of sleep. In rare cases, a sleep study may be conducted where medical personnel will observe you while you sleep to get a better idea of how you are sleeping. This method is only used though if a more serious disorder is suspected such as sleep apnea, whereby the individual comes awake because of undiagnosed breathing issues.
Help With Insomnia Tip #1
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder many people suffer from, but with a little effort, you can eliminate the most common factors for insomnia. Examine which variables contribute to your staying awake all night or cause you to wake up in the middle of the night. Work to change those factors and you'll sleep better for it. |
Help With Insomnia Tip #2
Lower the thermostat before you go to sleep. Numerous studies have shown that in a resting state, the body maintains a lower body temperature. Keeping your bedroom a few degrees cooler at night will promote more restful, sounder sleep. |
Help With Insomnia Tip #3
Try to sleep in complete darkness. Studies have shown that the greater the amount of light you are exposed to before sleeping, the earlier you will wake up. Sleeping with the lights on will disturb deep sleep and keep you from entering the most restful stages of the sleep cycle. |
Disclaimer: The content presented in this website is for information only and is no way intended to constitute or substitute for qualified professional medical guidance. All visitors are strongly recommended to consult with their health care provider for any questions or issues they may have. |
|