Getting a good night’s sleep is key to being productive the next day. No one wants to wake up feeling even more tired than when they initially went to bed, and then have to juggle the day’s demands. Unfortunately getting a good night’s sleep isn’t easy. In fact, many people suffer from sleep disorders that severally interfere with their rest. Some common issues and solutions will be discussed below.
- Insomnia
Everyone suffers a dash of insomnia every now and again. People are more likely to fall victim to this particular problem when starting a new job or taking on some other stressful endeavor. Many only experience symptoms for a few nights before returning to their regular sleeping patterns.
The issue is that some people can experience insomnia night after night for months or even years at a time. These sufferers may have chronic insomnia and will need to take action.
Non-medical ways to reduce or eliminate insomnia include:
- Avoiding caffeine or other stimulants after lunchtime.
- Setting a schedule where the same wake-up and bedtimes are adhered to closely.
- Undertaking daily exercise.
- Taking hot showers or baths right before bedtime.
- Not using screens (tablets, smartphones, ) before bedtime.
- Following a special diet.
Many people also consult sleep doctors to get prescriptions for sleeping pills and other drugs. It’s good to consult with a licensed practitioner to find out if medication is appropriate.
- Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder where people can’t breathe properly during their sleep. Sufferers may stop breathing dozens or even hundreds of times during the night, which prevents them from getting proper rest and may lead to further health problems.
Now there are two reasons that sufferers stop breathing. Either from an airway blockage or simply because the brain is not sending the correct messages to the lungs and other breathing muscles.
A possible solution to this issue is provided by a sleep apnea mouthpiece. These devices are similar to those used to prevent snoring and help to push the lower jaw forward and keep airways open.
It’s recommended that sleep apnea sufferers consult a sleeping disorder specialist to find out if such a device is suitable. A dentist typically needs to fit the device to a patient’s jaw. However, this is not necessary for every type of mouthpiece.
- Restless Leg Syndrome
Suffers from this condition experience an intense desire to move their legs while lying in bed at night. These urges are often overwhelmingly strong, unpleasant, and can interfere with sleep and cause excessive fatigue.
Ways to tackle the issue include:
- Doing daily leg stretches.
- Getting daily exercise.
- Making sure you’re getting enough iron because iron deficiency has been linked to the syndrome.
- Avoiding nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
Regular sufferers of intense symptoms may also want to consider medication options.
Conclusion
These disorders are fairly common and can ruin a good nights rest. If you or a friend/family does suffer from one, then hard work will be necessary to reduce the symptoms. A consultation with a sleep doctor may also be necessary to get expert advice.