There Is No Substitute For Healthy Sleep

Insomnia is something that affects millions of Americans and difficulty sleeping is no laughing matter. As a matter of fact the inability to sleep effectively can cause many difficulties in your daily life. And there are more than 100 different sleep disorders and they can be grouped into four main categories; problems falling asleep and staying asleep or insomnia, problems staying awake, problems with maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and unusual sleep behaviors.

Probably, the most familiar sleeping aliment is insomnia and is linked to many things such as anxiety, stress, alcohol, drugs, heavy smoking, daytime napping, physical illness as well as poor sleep environments and caffeine before laying down. These are the more deep rooted causes associated to insomnia. Some of these can be easily corrected by something as simple as creating a routine for improved sleeping habits. The more disruptive issues are usually associated with staying awake and is often referred to as being hypersomnia. This also includes conditions known as idiopathic hypersomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy, all of which can leave its victim in a state of disarray.

Sleep disruption disorders include issues like jet lag, paradoxical insomnia, and shift work sleep disorder. These issues can significantly affect the benefits that come from a natural, normal sleep cycle and can also hinder a person's everyday activities. Sleep walking, sleep terrors, and REM sleep-behavior disorder are most common in children and fall under the category of parasomnias.

The symptoms that come from sleep disorders vary greatly so it is important that if you struggle with sleep that you see a sleep disorder specialist to get the right diagnosis for your particular sleep issues. The right diagnosis can help you to more effectively treat the problem and start getting a better night's sleep. While over the counter sleep remedies can help with the occasional sleep issue they are not designed for those who consistently suffer from a sleep disorder.

Many times, those suffering with sleeping problems can find the answers they are seeking by merely seeing a doctor and following the advise, therefore making good sleep once again part of their usual routine. This can be as simple as changing part of your daily routine like establishing and keeping a consistent sleep schedule, eating right and getting a few more minutes of exercise. These all are very good changes, but if the problems continue after these changes, you should visit your primary care doctor who should in turn refer you to more specialized help such as a sleep clinic or specialist. There is no substitute for good sleep and plays a key role in your day to day health.