Sleep Problems and Symptoms

Sleep problems cause more than just sleepiness – a lack of quality sleep can cause accidents, affect your relationships, health, and mental prowess; and make you feel generally “disconnected” from the world. nnIf your sleeplessness is caused by a tough deadline or a common cold, you might not have trouble getting your sleep back on track after the deadline or cold go away, but if you have trouble sleeping on a regular basis, some simple changes in your life will allow you to manage common sleep problems and disorders can help you be well on your way to experiencing healthy, restorative sleep. nnSymptoms of sleep problems and disordersnnEveryone experiences occasional sleep problems, but getting a good night’s sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and alert during the day. Lack of sleep might make you feel foggy and unable to concentrate, or just a lesser version of your normal self. Sleep problems will eventually disrupt your work, family and personal relationships.nnHow do you tell if your sleepless night is an isolated occurrence or if it is related to a chronic sleep problem or disorder? Start by identifying your symptoms. Particular behaviors during the day are telltale signs of sleep deprivation. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms on a regular basis, your sleeplessness might be part of an ongoing problem or sleep disorder. nnDo you . . .n• feel irritable or sleepy during the day? n• have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television or reading? n• fall asleep or feel very tired while driving? n• have difficulty concentrating? n• often get told by others that you look tired? n• react slowly? n• have emotional outbursts? n• feel like taking a nap almost every day? n• require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going? nnCommon types of sleep problems and sleep disordersnnInsomniannAlmost everyone will be affected by insomnia at some point during life. Insomnia – a short term or chronic inability to get high quality sleep – is a common sleep problem and can be caused by a variety of things including stress, a change in time zones, an altered sleep schedule or poor bedtime habits. Whether your problem is an occasional sleepless night or a series of them, plenty of solutions exist to help you get better sleep. nPay Attention to Insomnia nnInsomnia often acts as a flashing yellow light in terms of sleep problems. Your insomnia might be a symptom of a more significant sleep problem or disorder, or a starting point for dealing with a physical, mental or emotional challenge. nnYour inability to go to sleep or stay asleep might be related to your partner’s snoring, your own sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, or it might be related to an urgent situation at work, or a difficult family issue. Whatever the cause of your insomnia, being mindful of your sleep habits and learning to relax will help you sleep better and feel better. nnThe great news is that insomnia doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. In many cases, self help techniques, including improved sleep hygiene, relaxation and changes in habits and behaviour can alleviate insomnia and promote better health as well as better sleepnnMedications should be a last resort for insomnia – they do not provide lasting treatment and have numerous possible side effects.