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Sleep, Sleep, Sleep, Sleep!
By: Cameron McConnell
Adequate sleep is very important to good health. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night and children and teens need more. Poor sleep can result in daytime drowsiness with difficulty concentrating and performing complex tasks, such as driving, during the day. People can have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or can wake too soon. Some people, for various seasons, have poor quality sleep.
Various health problems can interfere with sleep. Restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea can disrupt sleep. Asthma, COPD, and heart failure have symptoms that often cause interrupted sleep. Chronic pain problems, like arthritis, can make sleep uncomfortable. Many medications we use can have side effects that interfere with sleep. Anxiety and depression can cause sleep problems. Jet lag or shift work can make constant sleep rhythms difficult.
People can maximize their ability to get a good night's sleep with some simple strategies. They need to try to stick to a consistent bedtime and seek sleep in a dark room on a comfortable bed. They should minimize caffeine in the afternoon and evening and moderate alcohol consumption. Regular exercise can improve quality of sleep, but it should not be done too close to bedtime. If unable to fall asleep a person should get out of bed and engage in quiet activity, such as reading or listening to soothing music, until they become sleepy, and then return to bed.
Your family doctor can help evaluate and treat insomnia. Improving sleep may involve treating the underlying condition or changing medications. People can be taught imaging or relaxation techniques that help them fall asleep. Medications are also available to help with sleep. If simple measures are not helpful, see your doctor for a more complete evaluation.
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