Sleep Disorders
May 29th, 2009 Filed Under sleep apnea, snoring, snoring cure
In order to function in a normal and healthy way people need to sleep. Sleep is a dynamic process during which the brain is very active.
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. Insomnia, occurring more in the elderly and among women is one of the most common of sleep disorders. People with sleep disorders can take over-the-counter sleep aid drugs, which are most effective for an occasional sleepless night.
Age is a significant factor in determining the amount of sleep that a person needs to function normally. While teenagers need to sleep for about 9 hours a day, infants on the other hand, need about 16 hours of sleep 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.
Various chemical changes in the blood and the brain influence our ability to fall asleep and to awaken. There are certain foods and medicines that alter the balance of these chemicals which also affect how well we sleep.
Chemicals that cause a loss of Rapid Eye Movement, REM in the sleep cycle are antidepressants and which cause insomnia is caffeine. The loss of deep sleep can also be brought about by the consumption of alcohol and by smoking. The normal sleep cycle consist of bothe the essential REM and Deep Sleep cycles.
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.
Sleep inadequacy can have severe detrimental effects on health. 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. These should be taken on the advice of a physician, used safely and with caution. 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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