Cannot Sleep At Night
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?
Every year in the United States alone, millions of people are diagnosed of suffering from long term chronic sleep disorders. 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. 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, people in the more advanced age groups spend less time in the deep stages of sleep and have shorter periods of sleep instead.
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. Also, smoking and alcohol can greatly contribute in a loss of deep sleep. 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. Insomnia can be caused by alcohol in itself.
A person’s health can be detrimentally affected by inadequate sleep. Studies have shown that sleep is essential for normal immune system function and for healthy cell growth. 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. A person who always gets enough and complete sleep is generally more focused and ready to learn.
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‘