Sleep is something that many people tend to take for granted. They go to bed after a long day of school or work, and they expect to wake up the next day refreshed. Well, for every person that does, there are many more people who do not, or even go to sleep at all.
People with sleeping problems are generally thought to be suffering from one of the many sleep disorders that have been classified throughout the years. If a person thinks that he or she is indeed faced with a significant sleeping problem, it is important that they first consult their doctor, because what they think might be the result of one of the sleep disorders, might actually be something else.
Take, for example, what is considered to be the most common of sleep disorders: Insomnia. This particular problem is marked by either not being able to sleep for long periods of time, or not being able to fall asleep at all for days at a time. This is actually not a disorder in itself, but instead a symptom of a more serious medical condition.
It goes without saying, but if a person is unable to breathe well, that would definitely hinder sleeping. Insomnia is thus often caused when people with asthma, emphysema, or another breathing problem are not given the right medication. It is also important to keep in mind that sometimes the medication might be alright, but the side effects could cause this sleeping problem.
Also, sleeplessness might be a sign of poor behavioral habits. For example, if a person is in the habit of drinking lots of coffee each day, the amount of caffeine in a regular cup of coffee is enough to keep anyone awake for a long period of time! Caffeine can also be found in soda, as well as even some foods.
Speaking of food, if a person eats right before they go to sleep, that will automatically cause them to stay awake. Why? Because energy is given from ingesting food, so the body, although tired, simply will not act like it is tired at all. In order to prevent gas, and to facilitate the best digestion possible, it is best to eat at least two hours before going to sleep.
All of this having been said, one of the most prevalent actual sleep disorders that people suffer from is sleep apnea. In this sleeping problem, people stop breathing for anywhere from a minute at a time, to several minutes at a time. In order for the brain to remain functioning at all times, it is very important that it get the necessary amount of full oxygen.
So, how can a person tell if he or she is suffering from this condition? When they wake up in the morning exhausted and forgetful, even after getting what they think is a full night’s rest. Thus, it is very important that a sleep study be done on such a person to ensure a proper and timely diagnosis.