Having problems sleeping?
If you have problems sleeping at night, you're not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, nearly 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders. The Foundation also reports that these problems affect more women than men.
Common sleep disorders include:
- Sleep apnea is a temporary breathing interruption during sleep.
- Insomnia, or trouble sleeping, is often caused by stress, poor sleep habits, shift work and inactivity. Medical problems, such as depression or asthma, may also play a part.
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which you have a strong urge to move your legs, usually because of an unpleasant or uncomfortable sensation in the legs.
- Narcolepsy causes people to fall asleep at inappropriate times.
Sleep disorder symptoms often include:
- Daytime sleepiness,
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep,
- Fatigue,
- Restlessness,
- Snoring, choking, gasping or interruptions in breathing, or
- Trouble concentrating.
A poor night’s rest can affect everything from memory and concentration to health and relationships. Health-related problems such as hypertension, congestive heart failure and diabetes may be linked to sleep apnea. However, sleep troubles do not have to sabotage your days and nights. You can get help.