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Can Lack Of Sleep Be Dangerous To Your Health?
By administrator | February 28, 2010
What is Sleeplessness?
The average person spends something like 1/3 of his or her life sleeping. Although we do not yet fully comprehend either the reason or the mechanics of sleep, we do know that an insufficient amount can have far-reaching consequences: our work performance, our individual relationships, and our physical and mental health all depend on getting a proper amount of rest.
The inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night is a condition known as sleeplessness, and it is among the most common of all medical complaints; nearly 1/3 of all folks experience a period of sleeplessness at least once during their lifetime. Folks with sleeplessness typically experience in any case one of the next symptoms:
- Difficulties falling asleep;
- Inability to stay asleep, or waking up too early;
- Sleepiness during the day;
- Exhaustion or lack of energy;
- Irritability;
- Headache;
- Decreased ability to focus;
- Increased errors or accidents;
- Depression and/or anxiety;
- Constant concern about sleep.
Health Risks of Sleeplessness
If you are not getting the sleep that you need, your sleeplessness may ultimately lead to serious consequences for your health. In the short term, your alertness and focus are impaired, which can have a negative effect on your school or work performance. Relationship problems may result from irritability due to lack of sleep, while weakness may prevent you from participating in your typical activities.
In the long-term, the complications of insomnia can be even more severe. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mood disorders are all associated with chronic insomnia; these conditions can be life-threatening, and they will definitely reduce the quality of your life.
What Causes Insomnia?
Insomnia is symptomatic of a great number of physiological disorders; if you are having difficulty sleeping, chances are that an underlying health problem is to blame. Illness, infection, mental health disorders, and medications can all keep you from getting the suitable amount of rest. Hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances can influence your body’s ability to fall asleep, and dietary deficiencies can bring about sleeplessness, too. Exposure to toxic elements such as heavy metals, molds, and other environmental pollutants have also been shown to impair sleep.
Finding the Cause of Insomnia
By determining what is causing your sleeplessness, your health care provider will be better able to aid you create a plan for managing your sleep difficulty. To discover what is keeping you up at night, your medical doctor may ask you a series of questions about your life, your sleeping environment, and even the sleep habits of your partner. A variety of lab tests can also be useful in pinpointing the cause of your insomnia in the event that a health problem is involved.
Managing Insomnia
The primary step to getting back to sleep is to treat the original cause. Establishing good sleep habits may incorporate nutritional support, training, detoxification, and incorporating a relaxation procedure into your daily routine.
Good sleep hygiene is significant for getting the rest you need. By following the guidelines listed here, you will find yourself drifting off easily, without the continuous worry about getting enough sleep every night.
- Stick to a constant sleep schedule, with a constant bed time and wake-up time;
- Avoid bright lights (including the TV and PC) for at least two hours before bedtime;
- Do not exercise within three hours of bedtime;
- Make sure your bedroom is for sleeping – keep the TV, PC, and any other distractions in another room;
- Make certain your sleeping environment is cool, dark and calm;
- Keep away from caffeine, smoking, and alcohol, specially before bed;
- Don’t eat right before you go to bed;
- Try a relaxation working out for instance deep breathing before you turn in.
Over-the-counter and prescription sleep medications are best avoided; they may help you fall asleep, but they can be habit-forming, and they have a variety of negative side effects. By identifying the cause of your insomnia and making some adjustments to your routine, you should be able to beat your sleep difficulties naturally.
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