Help sleep problems

Remedies to help sleep problems can be simple or complex, depending on the cause. The causes of sleep disorders are many and varied. Improving sleep hygiene can really help sleep problems for many individuals. This relaxing meditation routine, called the insomnia obliterator , can work wonders for your sleep health and may be all you need to cure insomnia.

When pain, illness, drugs, emotional and psychological factors, or stress are the causes of sleep disorders the cause should be treated. Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), restless leg syndrome (RLS) and circadian rhythm sleep disorders, are treatable.

Sleep and aging. A common misconception is that the amount of sleep a person needs decreases with age. The ability to sleep for long periods, rather than the need for sleep, appears to be lost as people age. An estimated 40% or more of Baby Boomers will need something to help sleep problems. Baby Boomers sleep requirements fall in the normal range of 6 to 9 hours nightly, depending on the individual.

Sleep problems from snoring are common, and even mild snoring can become a big problem for a light sleeper. Snoring is not a joking matter. Sleep problems from snoring can cause loss of sleep to the one snoring, or their bed partner. See related article on this site about help with snoring problems.

Sleep apnea is a serious snoring sleep disorder. Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when a sleeping person's breathing is blocked, interrupting their normal sleep cycle. With the obstructive form of the condition, some part of the sleeper's respiratory tract loses muscle tone and partially collapses. People with obstructive sleep apnea often do not remember awakening or having difficulty breathing, but they complain of excessive sleepiness during the day. Sleep apnea is one of the more serious causes of sleep disorders and medical evaluation is advisable. Untreated, persistent snoring caused by obstructive sleep apnea may raise your lifetime risk of developing high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke.

Sleep insomnia commonly causes sleeping disorders characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep despite the opportunity. It is typically followed by functional impairment while awake. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 60 million Americans suffer from sleep insomnia each year. Insomnia tends to increase with age and affects about 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men.

Three types of insomnia are common: transient, acute, and chronic.
Transient insomnia lasts from days to weeks.
Acute insomnia lasts between three weeks to six months.
Chronic insomnia lasts from months to years.

Insomnia can be caused by:
• Psychoactive drugs or stimulants (medication, herbs, caffeine, cocaine, etc.)
• Hormone shifts with menopause and menstruation
• Psychological problems like fear, stress, anxiety, emotional or mental tension
• Mental Disorders such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety
• Disturbances of the circadian rhythm, such as shift work and jet lag
• Certain neurological disorders due to brain injuries
• Medical conditions such as Hyperthyroidism and Wilson's syndrome
• Abuse of over-the counter or prescription sleep medicines
• Poor sleep hygiene
• Parasomnia, including nightmares, sleepwalking, violent sleep behavior

An overactive mind or physical pain may also be causes. Finding the underlying cause of insomnia is usually necessary to cure it. Insomnia can be common after the loss of a loved one, even years or decades after the death, if one has not completed the grieving process. Resolving emotional and psychological problems can help sleep problems.

Nocturnal polyuria or excessive nighttime urination can be very disturbing to sleep. Nocturnal polyuria can be related to kidney disease or it may be due to prostate enlargement or hormonal influences.

Other causes of sleep disorders include narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), restless leg syndrome (RLS) and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Proper medical treatments can help sleep problems and overcome the causes of sleep disorders.

Article on sleep disorder

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