Sleep is a necessary and vital biological function. It is essential to a person's physical and emotional well being. Studies show that without enough sleep, a person's ability to perform declines dramatically. It is estimated that 50 percent of the adult population is sleep deprived and these people would benefit from some good information about the many sleep aids that are available.
In general it is important to get between 6 to 8 hours of sleep per day. All though sleep requirements vary from person to person. Since we now know how important sleep is for us individually and for the productivity of society as a whole, it is important that we start counting those sheep. Incidentally, counting sheep is a very effective sleep aid that as been around for hundreds of years and it does work.
The stress that may be attributed to longer work hours and increased commute times, unfortunately contributes to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Also some medical problems that can lead to insomnia are:
1) Over-activity of the thyroid gland,
2) Depression and/or anxiety,
3) Allergies,
4) Any illness, injury or surgery that causes pain,
5) Sexual problems,
6) Urinary, gastrointestinal or neurological disorders and
7) Side effects of certain medications.
There are other things that can lead to insomnia, such as, emotional stress, stimulants, lack of physical exercise, or the lack of a sex partner. If you believe you are suffering insomnia from one or more of these reasons, then you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Even if you are not an insomniac, but just having some difficulty sleeping, there are many sleep aids that can help you get a good night sleep.
Some of the sleep aids and helpful guides are listed below:
* Avoid caffeine of all forms after lunchtime.
* Avoid long naps during the day.
* Avoid more than two alcohol servings at dinnertime.
* Take a warm bath before bed.
* Read a book or do a tedious activity (avoid T.V.).
* Make your bedroom comfortable.
* Develop a bedtime routine
* Count sheep (again repetition).
* Herbal sleep aids, prescribed by a professional herbalist
* Melatonin
* Acupuncture
* Massage
* Relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga
* Reiki healing
Do not take sleep medications unless prescribed by your physician.
Try these time-tested sleep aids. If they do not work, then this may be an indication that you may have a more serious, medical condition. Therefore, consult your physician when possible.
Malcolm Moorhouse www.sleepok.com info@sleepok.com Copyright Malcolm Moorhouse 2006
Top 12 Health Topics: |
 |
Featured Topics |
One Woman's Addiction To Marathon TrainingLast year, I had a consultation with a 27-year-old woman named Allison. She's a marathoner who's been suffering from what I call Athletic Fatigue. I'd been treating Allison off and on over the last tw...Sleep Disorder - Nurse's Guide - Get Help Now With These Quick TipsIt's often reported that the average adult needs about nine hours of sleep, but many studies and people dispute this; reports range from four hours to ten hours a night. Two sleep disorders categorize...Asbestos Hazards Are Serious BusinessThe basic health hazards relating to asbestos are certainly not a secret. Through public awareness, a high number of Mesothelioma lawsuits, and of course public education, asbestos is known to cause a...Introduction To DiabetesDiabetes is a growing health problem in the world today. Did you know that approximately 20.8 million children and adults are diagnosed with diabetes in the United States alone? These numbers are grow...The Tyro's Guide to Back PainFirst off, a right sitting posture can go a long way in forestalling back pain, so ensure that you sit well to steer clear of any strain on the muscles of your back. An alternative solution to back pa...Does Mangosteen Normalize Blood Sugar In Diabetics?The mangosteen is a fruit grown primarily in Southeast Asia and is often called the Queen of All Fruits. The scientific name is Garcinia mangostana and it is mostly known for its intriguing flavor and...How Hypertension Is Linked To Diabetes And Kidney Failure?Are you aware that about 40 percent of Asian diabetic patients with hypertension eventually develop kidney disease, 10 percent of these patients will require dialysis within 10 years of diagnosis? And...Reasons Not To Stop SmokingAll smokers will know what it's like once that little white stick has a hold on you. The world and his wife will be against you, telling you to stop smoking, complaining about the smell, pointing out ...Laser Acne Treatments For Scarring And Blemish ControlAcne is a condition that can affect people of all ages and both sexes, and can develop as a result of a variety of factors, such as hormones, outside factors, or stress levels. The condition results f...Cyrotherapy - Freezing Genital WartsOne of the most effective treatments for genital warts is cyrotherapy, or freezing genital warts. This treatment can only be done at the doctor's office. Although you can get the chemicals needed to f... |
 |
HolPlus Channels: |
|
