Everyone 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. There are more than 70 different sleep disorders, which are generally classified into one of three categories: lack of sleep; disturbed sleep; excessive sleep. Insomnia and snoring are by far the most common sleep related problems.
Almost 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. In many cases, self help techniques, including improved sleep hygiene, relaxation and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can alleviate insomnia and promote better health as well as better sleep. There are several herbal remedies thought to help sleep. Examples include chamomile, valerian root, kava kava, chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower, lavender, and St. John’s Wort. These remedies have not yet been scientifically proven to work, although many do try them.
Snoring, which is sometimes confused with sleep apnea, can be a significant obstacle to quality sleep both for yourself and your partner. Snoring is caused by a narrowing of your airway, either from poor sleep posture, excess weight or physical abnormalities of your throat. A narrow airway gets in the way of smooth breathing and creates the sound of snoring. Some self help tips to stop snoring would be to sleep on your sides, elevate your head, clear nasal passages, loose weight or avoid certain types of food and alcohol before bed time.
