Sleep Inadequacy
People sleep in order to function in a healthy and normal way. The brain is very active during this dynamic process we call sleep.
Why can’t I sleep? Do I have any known sleep disorders that are preventing me form falling asleep?
Millions of people in the United States are suffering from chronic long-term sleep disorders each year. This does not include yet those other millions of people who are suffering from occasional sleep problems.
There are more than 70 different sleep disorders that are generally classified into one of three categories:
- Lack of sleep – Insomnia
- Disturbed sleep – Obstructive sleep
- Excessive sleep – Narcolepsy
Sleep disorders, when properly diagnosed, can be easily managed. The most common sleep disorder is insomnia which occurs more often in women and in the elderly. People with sleep disorders can take over-the-counter sleep aid drugs, which are most effective for an occasional sleepless night.
A significant factor that determines the amount of sleep needed by a person to function normally is age. Infants, for instance, sleep most of the day for about 16 hours while teenagers usually need about 9 hours a day.
Adults need an average of 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day. However, the elderly usually have shorter periods of sleep and spend less time in deep stages of sleep.
About 50% of adults over the age of 65 have some type of sleep disorder, although it is not clear whether this is a normal part of aging or a result of medications that older people commonly use.
The ability to sleep and to wake up is influenced by various chemical changes in the brain and in the blood. There are certain foods and medicines that alter the balance of these chemicals which also affect how well we sleep.
Examples of these are caffeine which can cause insomnia, and antidepressants which can cause a loss of REM or Rapid Eye Movement in sleep. The loss of deep sleep can also be brought about by the consumption of alcohol and by smoking. Both REM and deep sleep are essential parts of the normal sleep cycle.
Avoid mixing alcohol and sleep aid drugs. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of the pills even in small amount, causing dizziness, confusion, or fainting. Alcohol in itself can already cause insomnia.
A person’s health can be detrimentally affected by inadequate sleep. It has been established through case studies that healthy cell growth and the normal functioning of the immune system depend upon adequate nightly sleep. Sleep also is essential for normal nervous system function and the ability to function both physically and mentally. In addition, sleep is also necessary to promote a relax attitude. Normal adequate and complete sleep keeps an individual ready to learn, focused and alert.
One of the options available to a person who has great difficulty sleeping at night is across the counter or prescription, sleep aid drugs. Be sure to use them safely and with advice from your physician. If your doctor suspects a sleep problem, he or she will look at your overall health and sleep habits.
For more information on sleeping disorders please visit ‘Why Can’t I Sleep‘
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