Healthy sleep habits are an important part of one’s well-being and overall health. Positive sleep habits allow you to feel refreshed, be attentive and think critically. Sleep is essential to restore the mind and body in a number of different ways. a pervasive effect and are crucial to health and well-being at any age. The average person needs eight hours of sleep a night.
Poor sleeping habits can lead to many different kinds of health problems including cardiovascular dysfunction, compromised immune system, insulin abnormalities and impaired cognitive function. Poor sleeping habits can also result in impaired alertness, mental functioning and memory problems which can all have negative impacts at work and school.
Common Sleep disorders
Insomnia
Insomnia is the disorder of having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. People may go through episodes of insomnia that are short term or can be chronic.
The most common symptoms of those who suffer from insomnia are feeling tired throughout the day, not feeling refreshed when you wake up or waking up several times throughout the course of the night. Many people find that with age episodes of insomnia can increase.
In order to treat those with insomnia doctors will review medications that you are currently on and their side effects for they may be contributing to one’s difficulty sleeping. Your doctor will also review your current sleeping habits; this is also referred to as sleep hygiene. Making some changes may make your environment more conducive for sleeping. Sleep aids may be recommended as well if the insomnia is severe.
Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is when your legs become jumpy and active just as you are about to fall asleep. The sudden urge to move your legs can be accompanied by a tingly feeling. The feeling of tingly or burning makes one jerk their legs which is the 'restless' part of the syndrome. Moving one’s legs relieves the symptoms, but also disrupts the person’s sleep. It is a fairly common problem that interferes with many people’s sleep. Restless legs syndrome may also be associated with Parkinson’s disease, low levels of iron, pregnancy and various medications. The main complaint from those suffering with restless legs syndrome is a feeling of fatigue from a disrupted sleep.
In order to ensure that you will get a proper night’s rest make your bedroom as comfortable as possible. Make sure your room is dark; the temperature comfortable and all noisy distractions are turned off. Limit your caffeine intake as well as it can interfere with your sleep rhythms. Getting enough exercise and going to sleep at the same time every night will also benefit your sleep habits. This will help to create an environment that will signify to your body that it is time to sleep. Give yourself adequate time to fall asleep and you will wake up feeling rested. For those who have difficulty falling asleep, suffer from sleep fragmentation or insomnia may want to talk to their doctor about medications or other alternatives that may make your sleep patterns more regular.
