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Practical Information For Insomniacs

By Loraine Kean


Many people suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders. A good night's rest is essential if the body and mind is to repair itself from each day's exertions. Over a period of time, sleeplessness affects many aspects of a person's life. For healthy functioning it is absolutely essential that a person get adequate and proper rest.

In a professional sense, insomnia is restricted to being unable to fall asleep and/or being unable to remain sleeping for more than a short period. Factors which influence patterns of rest include physical aspects, stress and/or psychological trauma. As a result, an insomniac may find themselves suffering from drowsiness during the day. They may have feelings of depression, anxiety and general fatigue.

Insomnia can be a symptom of other disorders. Whatever the cause, being unable to get a refreshing night's rest is a problem for a great many people. Restless leg syndrome and sleep apnoea are two of only many disorders which may cause sleeplessness.

There are many who suffer from apnoea. This is characterised by the person momentarily ceasing to breathe. The airways temporarily collapse, blocking free passage of air. This may happen many times a night. The periods are very short but proper resting cycles are severely disrupted.

Cessation of breathing causes low blood oxygen levels and increased levels of carbon monoxide. The body is then placed under stress to bring levels back to normal. Apnoea may be treated by wearing a mask at night. These are called continuous positive air pressure masks (CPAP) and force air through the airways.

Another condition which causes a person to continually wake is restless leg syndrome. This is a neurological disorder. Symptoms include sensations of insects crawling over the legs, burning, pain and itching. There may be pins and needles. Limbs may suddenly and involuntarily jerk causing the sufferer to wake up. There is an almost uncontrollable urge to change position to bring relief.

These symptoms may be felt in one or both legs. The urge to continually move the legs can severely disrupt both day and night routines. Specific exercises can help once a diagnosis has been made. Restless leg syndrome may be linked to periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

Because a good night's rest is vital to a person's general health and well-being, insomnia and other sleep disorders should be investigated by a professional health practitioner. A sleep study or polysomnography will help determine your usual pattern of rest. It will analyse brain activity during sleep and the way the body responds.




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