Insomnia

Insomnia comes in three different varieties: transient, intermittent and chronic. Transient insomnia is a brief one or two night flirtation with sleeplessness. It’s usually caused by a change in sleeping location or other outside factors like temporary stress. Intermittent insomnia is also short term, but restless nights begin to occur more frequently. Chronic insomnia doesn’t go away. If you have multiple sleepless nights a week for weeks at a time, then you need to see a doctor. Insomnia sufferers have various symptoms including: the inability to fall asleep, unrefreshing sleep, frequent interruptions of sleep, waking up too early to be rested and sleeping so long that you feel sluggish.

Mild cases of insomnia can be treated by over-the-counter measures. Good Night’s Sleep is a mouth spray that delivers a fast-acting sleep aid. If you need a remedy for infrequent insomnia, Good Night’s Sleep can help you avoid those unexpected restless nights.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is the condition where normal breathing is interrupted during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by blocked air passages in the back of the throat. Enlarged tongues, tonsils, uvula and other soft tissues can inhibit your ability to breath at night. People who snore very loud and make frequent gasps for air at night can be at risk. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can threaten your life. If you suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, see a doctor right away.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a debilitating condition that causes frequent episodes of daytime sleepiness. Some narcoleptics lose muscle control when they reach a state of heightened emotional expression. Unexpected sleep attacks can make this condition very dangerous. Narcolepsy is believed to be a hereditary disease.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as nocturnal myoclonus, is a sleep disorder that features frequent night time leg discomfort. Continued movement of the legs is the only way to alleviate the strange burning sensation associated with RLS. This can cause sleeplessness and frustration.

So how do you know if you suffer from a sleep disorder? Here are some basic questions you can ask yourself:

-Do I feel sleepy and sluggish throughout my normal daytime activities?

-Am I overly irritable, edgy or too emotional during the day?

-Do I feel like my physical coordination and mental sharpness are dulled by tiredness?

-Do I find it difficult to read, operate heavy machinery, watch television or drive without falling asleep?

-Is my performance at work being affected by continual lack of refreshing sleep?

-Do I wake up too frequently in the night?

-Do I wake up way to early every day?

-Do I sleep in too long everyday?

-Has it been days since I had a really good night’s rest?

-Do I have to take naps on a daily basis?

The more you know about your sleeping ailment, the better prepared you’ll be for treatment.

by Tara Zottola