Sleep Disorders - What Are They?

Sleeping is not just another activity. According to science, it is one of the most significant bodily activities that help you keep fit, both physically and mentally. If you are not able to sleep properly then it will lead to problems. These problems can be as serious as accidents, health problems, and lack of concentration or problems in relationships. You will mostly feel irritated and disconnected from the world around you.

A lack of sleep can be related to certain sleep disorders however, these are difficult to identify initially. It is almost inevitable that most of us will have to encounter these sleep related disorders at some point of time in our lives.

Insomnia is the most common of the disorders. Insomnia means lack of sleep. You are just not able to sleep, even though after lying in your bed for hours. The good thing is that insomnia is not permanent. It is mostly due to stress, change in time zones (also known as jet lag), due to poor sleep habits such as going to bed at odd or varying hours. It can be cured with the help of proper medication.

Snoring caused by the narrowing of your nasal air passage or due to soft tissues in your throat is another common sleep disorder. It can also be a result of poor sleep posture. The narrowing of passage blocks smooth breathing thus creating the snoring sound. It is also curable, but simple non-invasive steps can also help avoid snoring and disturbing the sleep of your bed partner.

Narcolepsy is a problem where the affected persons brain loses control over the timings of sleeping. It is a neurological disorder and the person may fall asleep any time like in the office, while driving or cooking. It is a permanent sleep disorder however, with medical help the patients can achieve a normal life. They also require certain lifestyle changes.

The problem of itching or strange sensations in your legs, keeping you from falling asleep, is known as restless leg syndrome. A central nervous system disorder, in which you feel like moving or jumping due to very stressful sensations that run through the nerves in your legs. This sleep disorder currently has no cure but with the help of a doctor, sufferers can somewhat control the condition.

Sleep apnea is a common disorder where your breathing will pause or become shallow. When breathing does resume, it usually starts with a choking sound or loud snort. Sleep Apnea is the number one cause of daytime sleepiness, due to the poor quality of sleep that occurs. A variety of treatments are available if you suffer from sleep apnea.

These are just some of the many sleep disorders people all around the world suffer from, those that do have any of these problems should seek the advice of their doctor or a sleep specialist, to deal with the problem. Sleep disorders can negatively affect your life, but with the proper treatment, they can also be dealt with so that they don't.

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Sleep Disorders - Why Women Suffer Insomnia More Than Men

Although everyone at some point in their lives can experience a temporary period of insomnia there are specific groups of people who are more susceptible to it than others. The most common groups are people over 65, people suffering from depression and women. This article will discuss the reason why women are more prone to insomnia.

As women get older, the menopause can have a disturbing affect on their ability to sleep soundly. The common side effects of the menopause such as night sweats, joint pain, mood swings and hot flushes can disturb a good nights sleep. However, these symptoms tend to pass after the menopause cycle has run its course. Many women have found that after the menopause their sleep pattern improves greatly as they get older. This is in stark contrast to men who tend to experience more restless sleep and insomnia as they get older.

Studies have revealed that after a mother has given birth to her child, her body naturally develops a higher sensitivity to the movements and sounds of her baby. This internal warning system enables the mother to wake up instantly and tend to her baby. Although, this internal warning system is invaluable while the baby is an infant, many women hold on to this maternal instinct and continue to be highly sensitive to nighttime disturbances long after the kids have grown up and left home. A lot of research has been conducted into this interesting phenomenon and certain studies have found those women who never had children were less likely to suffer from sleep disorders or insomnia even, into their older years.

During many stages throughout their life women have to contend with a whole host of different hormonal changes. The most common and frequent is the premenstrual cycle, which affects women on a monthly basis. This is commonly accompanied by the condition premenstrual syndrome, or as its better known, PMS. At this time of the month when a woman is nearing her cycle the body is, in some cases, in a state of hormonal turmoil.

This produces many side affects that do not promote a good night sleep such as mood swings, acute sensitivity and lethargy. Also, during the menstrual cycle the pelvic and lower back can become very sensitive and tender. For a lot of women this can become very frustrating when trying to find a comfortable sleeping position at night.

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Sleep Disorders and Insomnia in Women - What Causes Them and Natural Insomnia Treatments

Did you realize that women are twice as likely as men to have sleep disorders? Women are known to have frequent sleep problems during their reproductive years.

There are numerous factors which can influence a woman's ability to have normal sleep patterns. These can include hormone levels, stress levels, lifestyle, sleep environment and menstrual and pregnancy related issues. It's quite common for women to experience premenstrual sleep disturbances during which they have difficulty falling asleep, may awake during the night, or have difficulty waking up. They may experience daytime sleepiness or suffer from insomnia, which is sleeplessness, and is one of the more common symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Many women acquire unhealthy sleep patterns due to the demanding roles they face as mothers, wives and career women. Women tend to choose to ignore fatigue and work long hours, both of which cut into their sleep time. On top if these, women also frequently have their sleep interrupted by their responsibilities as mom.

Women older than 40 years of age report more sleep disturbances than do women in their 20s or 30s. Lack of sleep in perimenopausal women can contribute to decreased job performance, decreased ability to concentrate, a decline in social interaction and a lack of general well-being.

Pregnancy can also be a major factor in sleep disturbance. The sheer demands of pregnancy on the body can make a woman feel sleepy during the day and yet inhibit sleep at night - especially in the first trimester. The pregnant woman may receive better sleep in the second trimester, only to face sleep issues again  in the third trimester due to the size of her abdomen and the aches and pains of pregnancy.

Lack of sleep, or poor quality of sleep during pregnancy are often attributed to frequent urination, heartburn, discomfort from bodily changes, fetal movement, low back pain, leg cramps, vivid nightmares, sleep apnea and snoring which can occur or worsen during pregnancy.

As women age other sleep disturbances tend plague them due to menopause. The causes of sleep problems during this time of a woman's life can often be blamed on hot flashes and night sweats which wake them up or make it difficult to fall asleep.

The most common sleep complaint that women report is insomnia. Women have many reasons for having insomnia (sleeplessness) including physical pain, anxiety or worry, medical conditions that disrupt their sleep, and breathing disorders.

Statistics also show that sleep apnea increases in women who are over the age of 50. As women age they are far more likely to have restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder or even narcolepsy.

There are some natural ways to combat insomnia such as herbal teas, herbal baths and aromatherapy. Here are a few you can try to help you get a good night's sleep:

Sleep Easy Bath

    * 2 drops Ylang-Ylang essential oil

    * 3 drops Lavender essential oil

Add to tub full of warm water and mix well.

This is a soothing, relaxing blend that helps ease away a day's stresses and strains.

Insomnia Aromatherapy Blend

Ingredients:

10 drops Roman Chamomile

5 drops Clary Sage

5 drops Bergamot

Directions:

Blend the oils well in a clean dark-colored glass bottle. Add 1-2 drops to a tissue and place inside your pillow to aid you in falling asleep.

If you prefer to make a Diffuser blend that you enjoy during the hour before bedtime, make a blend with a ratio of 2 drops Roman Chamomile to 1 drop Clary Sage to 1 drop Bergamot and add to your Diffuser.

Lavender can also help provide relaxation and drowsiness, but using more than 1-2 drops can have the opposite effect.

Sleepless Night Tea

    * 1 part Chamomile flowers

    * 1 part Catnip herb

    * 1 part Lemon Balm herb

    * 1 part Passion Flower

Use a heaping teaspoon and steep 10 minutes in boiling water. Sweeten with honey or molasses to taste.

Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Certified Aromatherapist, Certified Dr. of Reflexology and a natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Remedies4.com at http://www.remedies4.com/ - a large directory full of free natural health ebooks covering common ailments, illnesses, health conditions and natural healing techniques.

** You are free to use/reprint this article as long as the Author information/bio AND any links within the article stay active and in tact!

Sleep Disorders Symptoms Decoded

Sleep is very important for health and growth. Lack of sleep has been linked to mood swings, depression, problems in digestion, blood pressure issues etc. Similarly too much sleep has been associated with tiredness, emotional disorders, stress and sluggishness. However, sleep disorders follow a pattern and there are certain sleep disorder symptoms that can tell if you are suffering from either insomnia which is lack of sleep, disturbed sleep syndrome such as sleep apnea, REM sleep disorder, restless leg syndrome, etc., or narcolepsy which is excessive sleeping.

Identifying sleep disorder

Some of us may not be able to identify if our lack of sleep is an isolated incident that does not warrant any concern or a problem related to some chronic disorder. If you are suffering from symptoms such as the ones mentioned below chances are that there might be a deeper underlying problem that you need to address as these are all sleep disorder symptoms.

o Constant fatigue

o Lack of concentration

o Look and feel tired and exhausted

o Slow reactions

o Emotional instability

o Difficulty in anger management

o Need for stimulants such as tobacco or caffeine to keep you awake

o Feeling sleepy while doing stationary activities like reading, driving, or watching the television or a desire to take a nap every day

Common types of sleep disorders

Insomnia

One of the most common sleep disorder symptoms is lack of sleep or insomnia. Insomnia can be caused by stress, poor lifestyle habits such as erratic bedtime and sleep schedules or because of the use of stimulants such as caffeine and tobacco right before bedtime. However, whatever the reason behind your insomnia, it can be treated easily by improving sleeping patterns, learning to relax and trying to incorporate a healthier lifestyle in general such as avoiding stimulants, getting some physical activity, taking a warm bath before bed etc. If your problem still persists, visiting a doctor would be a good idea as he/she would be able to identify the cause of your insomnia better and give you the correct treatment.

Sleep apnea

Another symptom, amongst the several sleep disorder symptoms, is excessive snoring accompanied with paused breathing, waking up after choking or gasping to restart breathing. Feeling tired after a complete night's sleep could also be a signal that points towards sleep apnea. The chances of having sleep apnea are compounded if one is overweight or suffers from constant nasal congestion or nasal blockages. Having a deviated nasal septum or having larger than usual tonsils or adenoids can also lead to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea should not be ignored as this condition leads to reduced oxygen levels in the blood stream and can cause or aggravate a number of health problems. However, it can be cured by visiting a doctor or consulting a sleep specialist.

Restless leg syndrome

Some of the lesser known of sleep disorder symptoms is the irresistible desire to constantly move ones arms or legs while in bed. This could be because of discomfort caused by tingly, uncomfortable creeping sensations in the leg while lying down causing lack of sleep. Called the Restless Leg Syndrome, this sleep disorder can be associated with anemia, alcoholism, thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, and kidney problems.

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Ten Things You Wanted to Know About Sleep Disorders But Were Too Tired to Ask

We spend about one-third of our lives asleep. Despite that people generally know little about the importance of this essential activity. Sleep is not just something to fill time when you are inactive. It is not normal for a person to be sleepy at times when he or she expects to be awake. Problem sleepiness may be associated with difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, loss of energy, fatigue and lethargy.

There are other key traits to identify sleep problems. They are:

1) There are two different kinds of insomnia.

Insomnia is classified as either being acute or chronic.

2) Approximately fifty-eight percent of adults claim to suffer from some type of sleeping disorder.

Busy lives, crazy work schedules, familial responsibilities, etc., all lead to people being continuously on the go. In order to extend the day, they feel it is normal or okay to cut into sleep time to accomplish all the tasks of the day.

3) One in four Americans takes some kind of sleep medication.

With so many choices in prescription sleep aids and over the counter drugs at the local store, people tend to rely on chemicals to help them doze off quickly. But some of the chemicals can be quite addictive and dangerous, and are highly misused.

4) Many sleep disorders stem from physical ailments.

Though worry is a common theme with insomniacs, perhaps you just had surgery, or are suffering from chronic back pain. It is hard to find that comfortable place on the mattress, which in turn, keeps you up all night sometimes.

5) Sleep apnea or snoring are very serious and can worsen sleep disorders.

Not only will this affect your partner's sleep, but people who snore may suffer from sleep apnea, where you can actually stop breathing for a couple seconds during the night. Because this happens, sufferers may feel groggy and want to take naps during the day, causing sleeplessness at night.

6) Insomnia is actually poor sleep, not a complete lack of sleep.

It is a constant misconception, but if you were not getting any sleep at all, you would obviously not be able to function. Insomniacs may sleep in spurts, getting periods of rest, but never achieving rapid eye movement which causes dreams.

7) A sleeping disorder can be caused by a major life change.

Going back to the different kinds of insomnia, acute insomnia may only last for a couple of days. This may be due to a job change, menopause, pregnancy, losing a loved one, or anything that has caused a change in your daily schedule.

8) Diet plays an important part in having trouble sleeping.

The foods that we eat can cause problems during the night if our bodies have a hard time digesting it properly. Eating fatty or greasy foods in the evening will make for an uncomfortable time lying down. Also, eating close to bedtime causes you to stay awake until your body shuts down from processing the food.

9) Sometimes a psychologist can help you with your sleeping disorder.

Many times your primary care physician can help you with your sleeping problems, but it might behoove you to see a therapist to find out why you are lying awake. Perhaps it is stress or anxiety that needs looking into in order for you to feel more rested.

10) Napping will make your sleep disorder much worse.

You are not helping your body by trying to catch up on sleep during the day. This will only make it harder for you to feel drowsy when you should, throwing yourself into an offbeat sleeping pattern.

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Sleeping Disorders

There are various medical and psychological reasons which can and do invariably bring about sleeping disorders. A sleeping disorder may begin rather unobtrusively with sleep patterns being disrupted only marginally at first. However, if the cause of the disruption is not approached and dealt with sooner rather than later it can become a far more serious problem. In some instances sleeping disorders can also disrupt the everyday workings of a person's physical, mental and emotional activity.

There are many physical conditions which can cause sleeping disorders, such as 'Hypopnea Syndrome' - a condition where the person's respiratory rate becomes abnormally shallow while they are sleeping. Another example is 'Obstructive Sleep Apnea' - which is most commonly due to some kind of obstruction in the airway.

To discover if there are any bio-physiological changes occurring during sleep a Poly-Somno-Graphy (PSG), also referred to as a 'sleep study', might be carried out. A PSG records various functions while the person is sleeping: such as brain and muscle activity, rapid eye movement (which indicates dramatic dreams - night terrors), heart rhythm (ECG) and skeletal-muscle activity (EMG). If more complex data is needed the PSG will either be supplemented or replaced by an Actigraphy. These tests can diagnose which sleeping problem is causing the situation, as well as rule out most of the more common sleeping orders. Insomnia is usually the diagnosis if there is a chronic disruption in sleep patterns occurs and no other cause can be found.

Waking up un-rested and non-responsive can indicate a sleeping disorder and insomnia (defined as the inability to obtain an adequate, good night's sleep, either because of difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or both) is indicated. Other commonly diagnosed sleeping disorders include Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). With PLMD a person will suddenly and involuntarily jerk their arms or legs while sleeping. RLS brings on a slightly different sensation: with RLS the individual feels the irresistible need to move/shake their legs. Often these disorders will be suffered concurrently.

During 2006, the United States Department of Health carried out a study upon one thousand American teens aged 13 to 16 years. Incredibly 11% of them were diagnosed as suffering from Insomnia. In 2007 another study by them revealed that women are almost one and a half times more likely to suffer insomnia and that around 64 million Americans are dealing with this condition every year. That figure alone is enough to cause anyone sleepless nights!

Click Sleeping disorders or Sleeping disorder for more info. Copyright 2009 Ron X King.

The Various Sleep Disorders

You've probably heard of insomnia, but did you know there are many more sleep disorders? There are several different kinds and can be grouped into a couple of different categories. This article covers some of the most common forms. After reading it, you should understand what they are and how they could be affecting you.

We've already mentioned insomnia. In this sleeping disorder, people have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep. People who suffer from insomnia often complain that their mind won't switch off. Regardless of how tired they are physically, their thoughts keep racing, making it impossible to doze off.

Medical, psychiatric and neurological disorders can have a negative effect on your ability to sleep. Pain, depression and anxiety attacks can all damage your sleep and deplete your health and energy.

Some sleep disorders can develop regardless of what we do. Restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea are examples. However, insomnia is often caused by poor sleep hygiene and psychological stressors. You can often improve your sleep hygiene by cutting back on caffeine, taking fewer naps during the day and adopting a regular sleeping schedule.

Our personal sleep cycle can be sensitive to certain kinds of disturbances. Emotional and physical stress commonly lead to sleeplessness. Changing jobs, moving, financial difficulties, loss of a loved one, even jet lag can have a disruptive effect on your sleep rhythms. Things in your sleeping environment can also determine how well you can sleep. For example, a snoring spouse can wreak havoc on a good night's sleep.

If you work the night shift, or--even worse--rotating shifts, you will need to work especially hard to maintain a good sleeping schedule. The greatest danger you face will be developing delayed sleep-phase syndrome. This can occur when your biological clock gets out of sync with your surrounding environment.

Narcolepsy is a different kind of sleep disorder. Sufferers of this condition fall asleep suddenly and unexpectedly. Severe anxiety often accompanies this condition because of the uncertainty it brings to life.

More exotic sleep disorders include parasomnias. These conditions result in unusual behavior during sleep. Walking, eating, even driving while asleep has been observed among sufferers of these disorders. Not only are they dangerous to themselves while doing these things, they present a danger to others. Plus, they always wake up fatigued in the morning.

Sleep disorder of any kind should be addressed as soon as they are suspected. The first step is to discuss your suspicions with your doctor. He or she may be able to help you determine which condition is most likely and what might be causing it. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep should not be ignored--sleep is essential to life.

Sleep disorders affect more than a third of adults. Sign up for our free newsletter at http://www.howtobeatinsomnia.com

Symptoms and Causes of Insomnia Sleep Disorders

Insomnia sleep disorders are categorized by the inability to fall asleep or not getting adequate sleep, which gradually tends to disrupt our natural and normal life. Although everyone goes through some lack of sleep at some point or other, there are some key characteristics that can help a person identify if such an occurrence is one of incident or in fact is actually a disorder.

People who suffer from insomnia sleep disorders are unable to relax both mentally and physically and hence are unable to sleep, as their mind tends to work continuously. It is only in the early hours of the morning, as the sun comes up, that the mind begins to slow down. This slowly becomes a painful and frustrating cycle that is very difficult to break.

Symptoms

One of the biggest indicators of insomnia sleep disorders is the inability to sleep or to get quality sleep. This starts with a chance incident and spirals into a pattern. However, it is not the number of hours that one spends sleeping that define insomnia. Neither is the time that you take to go to sleep, but insomnia is defined by the quality of sleep that you get and how you feel after waking up.

Some of the symptoms that signal insomnia are as follows:

o Inability to fall asleep in spite of being tired.

o Using alcohol or sleeping pills to fall asleep.

o Having disturbed sleep or waking up a number of times at night.

o Waking up too early but not feeling refreshed.

o Feeling drowsy during the day especially while doing stationary activities such as driving, reading, or watching television.

o Having memory and concentration problems leading to low performance at work, school, etc.

o Diminished reaction time and alertness.

o Constant sense of fatigue and urge to use stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine to go through the day.

o Mood swings, irritability and depression.

Causes

There are a number of factor that are contributors to insomnia sleep disorders. Sometimes when one can identify the cause of this disorder, getting the solution for the same becomes must easier. Some of the common causes for insomnia sleep disorders are as follows:

Stress: Stress is a very big contributor for insomnia sleep disorders and tends to be its primary trigger. Emotional upheaval because of the loss of someone close, pressure at work or examination scare, a disturbed personal life can trigger stress leading to insomnia. Transient insomnia begins with light sleeplessness, but stress and emotional instability can turn it into chronic insomnia.

Diet and medication: A person's diet plays a crucial role in determining his/her health. So, if your intake of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol is high right before your bed time then chances of you getting affected by insomnia stress disorders is higher as these are all stimulants. At times prescription drugs can also contribute to insomnia.

Exercise, TV and sleeping environment: Exercising close to your bed time can be physically stimulating thereby disturbing sleep. Also, watching television before bed can stimulate and disturb the mind and produce sleeplessness. Your room also might be too bright or noisy preventing you from sleeping well.

Adapting good lifestyle choices and abstaining from medication to sleep helps people suffering from insomnia sleep disorders. Sometimes the simplest solution is to simply relax!

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Insomnia and Sleep Disorders - Know How to Treat Your Condition

Getting the right amount and quality of sleep is an overlooked but essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Studies over the years have shown that around one in three Americans suffer from some sort of sleep disorder throughout their lives.

Types Of Sleep Disorders

Insomnia This is by far the most common sleep complaint. Insomnia can be brought on by many health and lifestyle factors. People suffering from stress, anxiety or depression can also end up with insomnia. Some symptoms may be minor such as difficulty falling asleep or waking up too early in the morning. However, on the other extreme, insomnia and other sleep disorders can lead to chronique fatigue, resulting serious accidents at work, falling asleep in the car or worsening physical illness. Additionally, long term sufferers can eventually develop serious health problems including diabetes, depression and obesity.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by a disruption in breathing during sleep. Most sleep apnea sufferers are completely unaware they have the condition, however if left untreated it can lead to serious medical conditions.

Narcolepsy This is a neurological disorder which causes sudden drowsiness. Narcoleptics can fall asleep without warning, irrespective of the amount of sleep taken the night before.It is a dangerous condition as sufferers can experience sudden paralysis, falling asleep at any time including driving.

Simple Ways To Improve Sleep

Exercise and Relaxation Regular moderate exercise is an proven way to improve sleep disorders. However avoid any extreme workouts before sleeping, as this can raise adrenaline levels, making it harder to drop off.

Cut Out Stimulants Avoiding stimulants in your diet is one of the best ways to avoid sleeplessness. Avoid alcohol, which although it may make you feel drowsy, it will actually prevent you from getting a good nights sleep. Cigarettes are a bad idea too if you suffer from insomnia. Nicotine is a strong stimulant and can seriously affect your sleep quality. Caffeine will definitely keep you awake at night, but bear in mind that it's not just found in coffee, but also tea, sodas, chocolate and even some medicines.

Insomnia Treatments There are numerous treatments for insomnia. These range from medicines such as sedatives, natural homeopathic remedies and even hypnosis. Also popular is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a form of talking therapy which can help to get to the root cause of the sleeping disorder.

White Noise Machines A recent development in treating sleep disorders is electronic sleep machines. Also know as a sound conditioner or white noise machine, these devices work by producing a gentle rushing noise which masks any irregular noises in your sleep environment. You can also find sound masking machines in doctors waiting rooms, offices and public buildings where they create a relaxing environment.

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What Are Sleep Disorders and How Do You Treat Them?

According to research by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it is estimated that between forty and sixty million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, or have trouble falling asleep at some point every year.

These disorders can be a result of a number of different things. Some people have trouble falling asleep due to bad dreams, a new medicine or pill that can cause insomnia, periods of high stress at work, or even because of a health problem such as chronic pain.

Other people have a sleep disorder that causes them to be tired all the time and they may have problems with sleeping too much. Most of these sleep problems are not life threatening but some can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Sleep deprivation is not considered a disease. In most cases sleep disorders or sleep deprivation is a result of another condition or issue. Many doctors break these problems down into three categories; too little sleep, broken or disturbed sleep, and sleeping too much.

Most conditions can be treated if they are properly diagnosed or if the underlying condition is discovered. If you have trouble falling asleep and are afraid you suffer from a sleep disorder you should first try to understand what occurs during normal stages of sleep and what is considered a good amount of sleep.

In most cases adult sleep habits should include an average of seven to eight hours each night. However, children and teenagers will require more time asleep.There are five stages of sleep. The stages run in cycles throughout the night as your body goes from stage one to five, and then starts over.

Each cycle lasts about one and a half hours. Stages one through four are categorized as non-rapid eye movement sleep. While the fifth stage is categorized as REM sleep, basically because as the name suggests, your eyes move rapidly.

As your body goes through each stage you are considered to be deeper into sleep and harder to wake. The fifth rem stage, considered deep sleep, is where dreams occur and sleepwalking can take place. During this stage heart beat increases and breathing patterns will become more rapid.

The most common disorders such as insomnia, narcolepsy, and apnea disturb these cycles. On average women and the elderly suffer more often from these conditions than younger men. However, children are more likely to suffer from night terrors than adults.

It is also possible to spouses or sleeping partners to be awakened by the snoring that accompanies some disorders. The most effective way to determine therapies for your sleep disorder will be to visit a doctor for diagnosis.

The proper remedy will depend on the medical diagnosis and the cause for the disorder. For example short term insomnia relating from stress or trauma may be treated by sleeping pills and restless leg syndrome can also be treated with drugs in some situations . However, this form of treatment can cause dependency. If you are diagnosed with a long term condition it may call for a lifestyle change or you may want to try alternative therapies.

In some cases you may find that there is no exact cure. A diagnosis of sleep apnea can be treated with a CPAP machine but loosing weight can help some people with the condition. Some people need to change their natural environment in order to get to sleep.

You may need to avoid caffeine, arrange your bedroom so it's conducive to sleepiness (in other words turn off the TV), you may also want to consider natural supplements that can help with sleep. Sometimes trouble falling asleep may be caused by chemical or nutritional deficiencies in the body.

You may find there is a natural cure you can use for insomnia. However, with obstructive sleep apnea you may need intense treatment or therapy to receive a cure. It is recommended that you first visit your physician and ask how you can have a sleep test done.

Most often you will need to sleep at the hospital or clinic overnight or for a few hours. If you are diagnosed with a sleep condition you can then ask your doctor for advice on how to treat your conditions, and for tips on alternative treatments.

If you want to find out more about sleep disorders and how do you treat them, you can visit http://www.TroubleFallingAsleep.com

The Different Kinds Of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are a complicated problem in America. We lead such hectic lifestyles between work, home and recreation that we are prone to getting sleep deprived. A lack of solid sleep is a common cause of car accidents, job failures and poor school performance. With sleep problems, we end up having problems in our relationships because we have irritability and mood swings.
There are a number of sleep disorders. Some are trivial while others are severe. You can suffer from sleep disorders from newborns to old age and even our pets can suffer from sleep problems. Bedwetting is a sleep disorder that is common in children and that goes away as the child ages. Others have difficult cures, such as narcolepsy that is when you fall asleep at inappropriate times.
Types of sleep disorders
Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorder, especially in young people. It is the result of not being able to get to sleep at night and can also cause frequent wakening. Women get it more than men and it can be caused by anxiety or depression. One good treatment for insomnia is melatonin, a hormonal therapy that allows you to fall asleep. Good sleep hygiene is important as are behavioral therapies.
Restless Leg Syndrome

This is the constant need to move your legs when you are trying to sleep. You feel uncomfortable tingly or burning sensations in your legs that is only relieved by moving your legs. You cannot get a good night's sleep when you want to move your legs all the time. It can happen at any time during the day and isn't just a nighttime phenomenon.
You can use self help methods for treating restless legs syndrome. Iron sometimes works as does electrical stimulation for your legs. Sleeping with a pillow between the legs also helps.
Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a condition where you sleep at inappropriate times. You feel sleepy during the day and can suffer from hallucinations when you sleep. You can fall asleep quite suddenly.
Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be a result of obesity or a brain dysfunction and results in an inability to get enough breath during sleep. Basically your airways collapse during sleep and you can't get air into your lungs. You then have a period of loss of breath that ends when you gasp and breathe again. It can affect the quality of sleep greatly.
Jet Lag

Jet lag happens when you travel over several different time zones and have problems getting a good night's sleep on either end of the trip. Melatonin works well to reset the sleep point so you are sleeping normally in no time.
Women tend to get more get lag than men and it is often accompanied by dehydration, lack of a decent appetite, insomnia, poor sleep patterns, headaches and fatigue. You should try to sleep and awaken according to the time zone you are actually in and it helps to get a lot of sunshine, regardless of where you are at. This also helps set your sleep wake cycle so you sleep better at night.







Natural remedies for various sleep disorder have been discovered and yet they are not being made popular. To avoid the various side effects that are so common with sleeping pills, you need to understand the root cause of your issues and take adequate steps. Here is where you can get more information.

How Sleep Disorders Affect Our Nights

During the night is when sleep related problems tend to occur. Diseases like heart attack, asthma, and stroke are much more likely to strike during the night time hours as well. Millions of people suffer from different types of sleep disorders, but the most common of these disorders that keep us from sleeping is insomnia.

Over a quarter of the people worldwide suffer from insomnia, but only about 8% of these people are medically diagnosed. The reason for this is that people tend the lack the adequate information needed to diagnose a sleep disorder. Even insomnia is not fully understood by scientists or the general public despite the fact that it is a prevalent health condition. Although so many people, as much as 80% of the population in the world, suffer from one form of sleep disorder or the other, only around 15% seek professional help to find a remedy for it.

If you are willing to do the research, it is possible to find lots of information on the subject of sleep disorders. If you want to begin, the Internet has a lot of information available, and your family practitioner can also give you valuable information. Also, visiting a sleep center in a nearby area may be a great way to get information. By being well informed, you can protect yourself against the discomfort of untreated sleep disorders.

According to the available information on the subject, there are warning signs that a persons' body will give off before it breaks down. The definition of insomnia is a person who is unable to sleep. This may start with one of the lighter forms of insomnia, such as intermittent or transient sleep, but then turns into chronic insomnia without skipping a beat. Intermittent or transient insomnia is a form of insomnia that can be triggered by stressful noises, stress, anxiety, excitement or happiness, or a change of place. If this is removed or can be put aside, the person can be cured of this type of insomnia.

Symptoms that come with insomnia include irritability, forgetfulness, the inability to concentrate, lack of control, depression, and a weakened immune system. Depression is also a cause of insomnia in some individuals. More than 35% of people suffering from insomnia also suffer from acute depression and may be on the verge of suicide. In order to prevent incidents like these, getting adequate information on sleep disorders is important, so that help can be found at the right time.

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8 Physical Conditions That Can Cause Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders usually have their roots in a medical problem or a prescription drug taken to treat a disease. The common diseases leading to sleep disorders are cardiovascular, neurological, mental, kidney, and gastroesopheal disorders as well as arthritis.

1. Cardiovascular Disorders

The most common cardiovascular disorders that cause sleep disorders are coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. Both these disorders can cause obstructive sleep apnea.

Congestive heart failure is characterized by the inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to satisfy the requirements of the body. As a result of this, blood accumulates in the veins leading to the kidneys, and the resulting edema inflicts a lot of damage to the organs of the body.

Coronary heart disease is characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries that carry blood to the heart, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis.

2. Endocrine Disorders

Sleep disorders are also the result of endocrine malfunction such as thyroid disorder and diabetes. Diabetes affects the way in which the body stores and uses carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. People who do not manage and control their diabetic condition often suffer from restless leg syndrome.

The hormones released by the thyroid gland regulates the energy levels of the body. A person suffering from hyperthyroidism sweats profusely at night and is unable to enjoy a peaceful night's rest.

3. Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, strokes, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease are also responsible for sleep disorders.

Parkinson's disease affects the central nervous system. It's symptoms include difficulties in movement, tremors, unstable posture, slow movements, stiffness in the muscles, and difficulties in walking. Parkinson's disease causes sleep disorders such as sleep onset insomnia and REM sleep behavior disorder.

Alzheimer's disease impairs the intellectual functions of the brain and causes dementia. It also causes a sleep disorder called fragmentation.

Epilepsy affects the normal electrical functions of the brain and leads to short, sudden changes in it that are recurrent. People suffering from epilepsy are more likely to suffer from insomnia.

Usually, stroke is associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

4. Respiratory Disorders

Those suffering from a respiratory disorder such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma usually suffer from an accompanying sleep disorder such as insomnia and sleep fragmentation.

The air passages of those suffering from asthma are inflamed. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a group of respiratory disorders that cause untold damage to the lungs and lead to difficulties in breathing.

5. Mental Disorders

People suffering from psychological disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, depression, and schizophrenia also suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep fragmentation.

6. GERD

In gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, the juices in the stomach flow back into the esophagus, and this leads to sleep fragmentation.

7. Kidney Disorders

In most kidney disorders, the kidneys are unable to filter the waste substances from the blood. They are also unable to maintain a proper balance between salt and water. Such a kidney disorder could lead to insomnia and restless leg syndrome.

8. Arthritis

The intense pain suffered by arthritis patients drives away sleep, resulting in insomnia.

If a sleep disorder is due to a medical condition, the medical condition should be treated first, not the sleep disorder. When the primary cause of a sleep disorder is successfully treated, it disappears, and the patient finds that he or she can enjoy good sleep.

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Sleep Disorders and Insomnia

There are over 100 sleep disorders that have been identified and insomnia is definitely one of the most common problems.
Episodes of insomnia can be short- or long-term (chronic) and involve difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep as well as awakening very early. Some reasons for suffering with insomnia include: anxiety, stress, depression, caffeine, alcohol, drugs and medications, illness, napping during the day, and surrounding influences (too much noise or light).
Some disorders of insomnia are:


Insomnia due to a dependence or cessation of stimulants



Delayed sleep phase syndrome (the individual believes s/he sleeps better from morning to mid-afternoon



Insomnia due to ceasing or building tolerance to sleep medications, known as Hypnotic dependent sleep disorder and



Pyschophysiological insomnia, known as learned insomnia




The treatment for insomnia depends on uncovering the cause. First the patient must work on the sleeping environment, ensuring minimal noise, minimal light, reducing caffeine, and reducing stimulants. If the problem of insomnia persists, talk to your doctor, especially if you are considering taking over-the-counter sleeping medications. Your doctor will guide you in the right direction according to your overall health.
Your bedroom should be a place of sleep, and only sleep, especially if you suffer from any type of sleep disorder.
Tips to help insomnia:


Do not read in bed



Do not watch TV in bed, in fact remove television from bedroom



Do not engage in sex in the bedroom, choose another room for that as well



Try to go to bed at the same time each night



Cut back on smoking (especially before bedtime)



Reduce the intake of caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, etc)



Limit the intake of soda late at night, due to the amount of sugar




One major factor of insomnia is depression. Depression is usually treated with medication and therefore, should be discussed with your doctor.
Prognosis
Some sleep disorders go away all on their own, while others require medical attention and medication and is therefore highly recommended that you consult your doctor at the onset of insomnia.







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