Can’t you nod at night?
Well, you are not alone.
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About a third of Britons have trouble falling asleep, according to the NHS.
In addition to sleep anxiety, several new studies have revealed some of the late-night health risks.
A paper published at the European Society of Cardiology found that seven out of ten heart attacks or strokes experienced by people over the age of 50 could be prevented if everyone got “enough sleep.”
Another study from the University of California, Berkeley showed that losing just one hour of sleep each night weakened the part of the brain that drives social behavior, making us more selfish and irritable.
However, a sleep test devised by the NHS can help diagnose sleep problems and give you tips to help you nod.
First, the test asks about the quality and length of your sleep to find out what sleep problems you may have.
Then let them know if they need to see their GP and provide a list of “hands-on” tips.
What is insomnia and what are the symptoms?
Insomnia is defined by the NHS as ‘difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep long enough to feel refreshed the next morning’.
Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, staying awake for long periods of time, waking up many times each night, and feeling unrefreshed when you wake up.
Despite being tired, the patient may find it difficult to take a nap during the day, have trouble concentrating due to lack of sleep, or be more irritable than usual.
Some people have insomnia that comes and goes from time to time, while others may have it for months or years at a time.
What Causes Insomnia?
The cause of insomnia is not always clear, but stress and anxiety are common triggers.
A poor sleeping environment, such as an uncomfortable bed or a noisy bedroom, can also be a contributing factor.
Otherwise, lifestyle factors such as jet lag, shift work, and drinking before bed can interfere with a good night’s sleep.
Also, some people have physical and mental health conditions behind their lack of sleep.
What sleep aids are there to overcome insomnia?
If you have insomnia, a few simple tricks to get back into your normal sleep routine may help initially.
The NHS advises that people with insomnia can try the following to help them get a good night’s sleep:
- Set regular bedtime and wake-up times
- Relax before bed – try a warm bath or listen to calming music
- Use thick curtains or blinds, eye masks, and earplugs to prevent light and noise from waking you up
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, heavy meals, and exercise for several hours before bed
- Don’t watch TV or use your phone, tablet or computer right before bed
- avoid daytime naps
- Before you go to bed, write down your problem list and solution ideas so that you can forget about them until morning.
