2. Chronic Illness and Sleep
Sleep problems can be due to a chronic illness,
such as diabetes, arthritis, HIV/AIDS, lupus,
Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease,
and multiple sclerosis.
Sleep and Psychiatric Disorders
There is no evidence that sleep disorders are a
cause of psychiatric disorders. But sleep and
psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and
depression are closely related
.
3. Stress and Sleep
If high levels of unwanted stress are not
properly managed, your health and sense
of well-being can suffer. Therefore, it is
important to learn how to manage stress.
Sleep and Menopause
Approximately 75%-85% of menopausal
women experience hot flashes, which can
last for five years. Hot flashes and
sweating can make it difficult to sleep.
4. Sleep Problems in Pregnancy
The hormonal changes and physical
discomforts associated with pregnancy can
affect a pregnant woman's quality of sleep.
Aging and Sleep
Regardless of your age, good restorative
sleep is essential to physical health and
emotional well-being.
5. Artificial light exposure between dusk and the time we go to bed at night suppresses release of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, enhances alertness and shifts circadian rhy
Using Tech Gadgets Before Bed Could Disturb Sleep
according to Sophie Terbush of USA Today, "95% of the 1,508
people surveyed reported using some type of electronic device–
such as a TV, computer, video game or cell phone–within an hour
of bedtime at least a few nights a week."
Sixty-seven percent of 46 to 64 year olds and 63% of 30 to 45 year olds watch
television rding to Sophie Terbush of USA Today, "95% of the 1,508 people
surveyed reported using some type of electronic device–such as a TV,
computer, video game or every night or almost every night less than one hour
before going to sleep. Sixty-one percent of all survey participants said that they
used computers or laptops within the hour before going to bed, and 36% of 13
to 18 year olds reported playing a video game within that time span.
Artificial light exposure between dusk and the time we go to bed at night
suppresses release of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, enhances
alertness and shifts circadian rhythms to a later hour””making it more difficult to
fall asleep.
6. Here are six surprising causes of disturbed sleep.
Sleep Wrecker 1: Pets in Bed
While lots of people let their pets snuggle in bed with them for comfort, evidence
suggests that animals in bed make it harder to sleep.
According to a survey by the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, 53% of people who
sleep with pets say that their animals disturb their sleep. Animals just don't have the
same sleep and wake cycles that we do. So 3 a.m. to your cat might seem like an
excellent time to start pouncing on your feet. Even more subtle disturbances -- the
clanking of the tags on your animal's collar as it shuffles around -- can wake you up.
7. Sleep Wrecker 2: Alcohol and Nightcaps
As a cause of sleep loss, this is often a surprise to people. Doesn't
drinking make you drowsy? Isn't that why people have nightcaps?
Isn't that why college parties always end with everyone passed
out on the floor?
8. Sleep Wrecker 3: Undiagnosed GERD
People who have GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disorder -- often find the
nights difficult. Once they're lying down, the acid can back into the esophagus,
causing heartburn and pain. Some try to sleep propped up on pillows to cope.
What you might not know is that GERD doesn't always cause such dramatic
symptoms. Some people might only have one constant symptom: disturbed
sleep
.
Sleep Wrecker 4: Medicine, Vitamins, and Supplements
Some of the most common causes of disturbed sleep are in your
medicine cabinet, but you might not suspect them at all. Common
drugs, like steroids for asthma and beta-blockers for high blood
pressure or heart problems, can keep you up at night.
9. Sleep Wrecker 5: Pain -- Even Mild Pain
Just about any painful condition can cause disrupted sleep. Headaches, back
pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and menstrual pain are all common causes.
What you might not realize is that the pain doesn't even have to be particularly
severe to cause sleep loss. In fact, it doesn't even have to wake you up.
Pain signals sent out by your body can fragment your sleep, reducing the
amount of time you spend in deep, restorative sleep. You might not wake up,
but your sleep will be less restful.
10. Sleep Wrecker 6: Being Exhausted -- as Opposed to Sleepy
Here's a common scenario. You come home from a long day at work,
completely exhausted. You stumble into the bedroom, fully expecting that as
soon as your head hits the pillow, you'll be out.
But somehow, that's not what happens. 45 minutes later, you're still staring at
the ceiling. What's gone wrong?
Contrary to what people think, being exhausted doesn't necessarily make
people sleep better. There's actually a big difference between being exhausted
and being sleepy. If you ran 50 miles and then dropped down in bed, you would
unquestionably be exhausted. However, your body might be far too revved up
to sleep.
