Over one third of the population suffer from some type of sleep disorder. Most of these disorders involve some form of insomnia or lack of restful sleep. Suffering from such sleep problems as snoring and sleep apnea can leave you tired, irritable and depressed. If you feel you are suffering from one of these sleep disorders and it is adversely effecting your life, you may want to seek out a physician for diagnosis and treatment. While most of these disorders are not life threatening, they can lead to other health difficulties and should be followed up on.
One of the most common sleep disorders is snoring.
Snoring can be defined as noises generated within the breathing passage. Snoring is usually caused by a blockage or an obstruction of the airway. When a blockage occurs sleep is interrupted and snoring occurs. Snoring is most common in males and overweight individuals. If you are a snorer, chances are it will worsen with age. So what can you do about snoring? The first thing I would try is turning the snorer onto their side to see if it stops. If you are the snorer then you might want to try using over the counter strips such as "Breath Right" to see if that will solve the problem.
If snoring is effecting your life to the level you can't get a enough sleep, try seeking out your family physician for answers. There are several solutions to snoring such as a dental device that brings the jaw forward to stop the snoring. Surgery is another option you may want to consider. Again, you will want to speak to your doctor about the pros and cons of such a surgery. Snoring is something you may not have to live with.
When a total obstruction occurs it is known as sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea occurs when you regularly stop breathing for ten seconds or more while sleeping. Often, someone with sleep apnea will wake up grasping for air as if they were grasping for their last breath. People with this sleep disorder often snore loudly. Other symptoms include; morning headaches, loss of energy, depression, aniexty, trouble concentrating, mood or behavior changes, forgetfulness.
Sleep apnea can be mild to moderate depending on how many time you are awakened during sleep. An episode of sleep apnea can occur up to three hundred times per night. Smokers and overweight individuals are likely candidates for Sleep Apnea. Twelve million people suffer from this disorder.
If you think you suffer from sleep apnea I advice you to see your doctor. Sleep apnea can lead to; stroke, heart attacks, coronary disease, hypertension and other conditions. Sleep apnea is treatable with special devices and or medication.
Better Sleep Tips
Below researchers from Philly Health have compiled a list of some simple and effective sleep tips. Hope that you will give some of these a try before you give up on getting a good nights rest. Sweet dreams!
• Keep a regular bedtime routine.
• Avoid daytime naps.
• Don't discuss upsetting topics before bed.
• Use your bed for sleeping only. Don't read,eat or watch TV in bed.
• Make exercise a part of your day, but do not exercise prior to sleep.
• Keep your room temperature between 65-70 degrees.
• Avoid alcohol.
• If you are sensitive to light wear a sleep mask.
• Try ear plugs to block out outside noise.
• Give some soothing music a try before bedtime.
• Milk is a good source of calcium which relaxes muscles.
• Try a warm bath with lavender.
• Aromatheraphy is said to be effective.
• White air noise fans are said to be helpful.There are now devices you can buy that offer a variety of soothing sounds such as ocean waves and spring rain.
• A comfortable mattress and bedding are essential.
• Try changing your bedroom decor to soft shades of blue or a color you find soothing.
• If you are worried about work, make a list of the things you need to get done, then set it aside.
• Try meditation, yoga or relaxation techniques to relax the mind, body and soul.