Can Lack Of Sleep Be Unsafe To Your Health?
What is Sleeplessness?
The average individual spends just about 1/3 of his or her life sleeping. Although we do not yet completely comprehend either the reason or the mechanics of sleep, we do know that an inadequate amount can have far-reaching consequences: our work performance, our personal 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; approximately 1/3 of all folks experience a period of sleeplessness as a minimum once during their lifetime. Persons with sleeplessness usually experience as a minimum one of the next symptoms:
- Difficulties falling asleep;
- Inability to stay sleeping, or waking up too early;
- Sleepiness during the day;
- Tiredness or lack of energy;
- Bad temper;
- Headache;
- Decreased ability to focus;
- Increased errors or accidents;
- Misery and/or nervousness;
- Continual worry about sleep.
Health Risks of Sleeplessness
If you are not getting the sleep that you need, your sleeplessness may in time lead to serious consequences for your health. In the short term, your alertness and focus are impaired, which can have a harmful effect on your school or work performance. Relationship problems may result from irritability due to lack of sleep, while weariness may prevent you from participating in your regular activities.
In the long-term, the complications of sleeplessness can be even more dangerous. Hypertension, cardiovascular disorder, obesity, and mood disorders are all associated with chronic insomnia; these conditions can be life-threatening, and they will certainly decrease the quality of your life.
What Causes Insomnia?
Insomnia is symptomatic of a large 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, as well. Exposure to toxic elements for instance heavy metals, molds, and other environmental pollutants have in addition been shown to damage sleep.
Finding the Cause of Sleeplessness
By determining what is causing your sleeplessness, your health care provider will be better able to help you create a plan for managing your sleep problem. To find out what is keeping you up at night, your 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 as well be useful in pinpointing the cause of your insomnia in the event that a health problem is involved.
Managing Insomnia
The initial step to getting back to sleep is to treat the main cause. Establishing good sleep habits may include nutritional support, training, detoxification, and incorporating a relaxation procedure into your every day routine.
Good sleep hygiene is critical for getting the rest you need. By following the guidelines listed here, you will find yourself drifting off easily, without the endless worry about getting sufficient sleep every night.
- Follow a constant sleep schedule, with a consistent bed time and wake-up time;
- Avoid bright lights (including the television and PC) for at least two hours before bedtime;
- Do not exercise within three hours of bedtime;
- Make certain your bedroom is for sleeping – keep the Television, 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 have a meal right before you go to bed;
- Try a relaxation exercise such as 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 harmful side effects. By identifying the cause of your sleeplessness and making some adjustments to your way of life, you should be able to overcome your sleep difficulties naturally.
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Tags: Insomnia, lack of sleep, sleep, sleeping, sleeping disorder, sleepless
