One of the biggest causes of sleep problems in the modern age is shift work. It's such a big issue that Shift Work Sleep Disorder has become a recognised medical condition. Often insomnia can be cured by getting into a regular sleep cycle, but how can you do that when [...]
For most people, a cough is just a minor annoyance, something that goes away within a couple of days. For others, however, it can linger, and coughing at night can severely disrupt sleep. Often coughing gets worse at night. Even if you manage to get to sleep, it can wake [...]
Sleep disorders can cause many difficulties in waking life, but did you know that they can seriously affect your memory? New research is uncovering the mechanisms by which this happens. Even if insomnia itself remains a problem, it may become possible to treat this symptom and enable sufferers to live [...]
Insomnia can cause considerable problems to individuals, but what about its effect on the economy as a whole? With around one in three adults in the UK suffering from insomnia at some time in any given year, and two in three regularly failing to get a good night's sleep, the [...]
If you struggle with insomnia you may well envy your pets, for whom sleep tends to come really easily. For some troubled sleepers, sleeping close to pets can be a surprisingly effective solution to insomnia. For others who already habitually sleep this way, it may be part of the problem. [...]
Although everybody suffers from similar problems if deprived of sleep, the actual amount of sleep required in order for different people to be healthy is very variable. Most adults need between seven and nine and a half hours per night, but some can get by comfortably on just five and [...]
When you're struggling with insomnia the hardest part is often staying alert during the day. Whilst there are many medicines designed to help people sleep - which don't always work - there are relatively few to help you stay awake and you may find that they don't suit you very [...]
When you're really struggling to get to sleep, there are all sorts of things you can try to calm your senses. Simply turning out the light will relax your eyes. You may prefer silence or Soft Music for your ears. Your skin will appreciate the feel of soft bed covers. [...]
Many people have problems with nightmares or with different types of fear that can stop them getting to sleep at night, but what happens if you have a fear of sleep itself? This may sound odd but it's actually quite common, affecting 4-8% of the population at some time in [...]
It's hard to get to sleep when you're feeling chilly, and with good reason, because sleep makes you more vulnerable to the cold. For some people, however, feeling cold at bedtime is an everyday problem - even in warm weather. Knowing how to tackle it effectively is essential to getting [...]
For many people with insomnia, the most difficult thing is actually falling asleep in the first place. Understanding how this process works in healthy people can help you to identify the origin of your problems and work toward solving them. As scientists learn more about it, it is hoped that [...]
Everybody knows tat when you're feeling down, looking good can make you feel better. Unfortunately, sleep problems can take their toll on your looks as well as on your general mood. Even if you don't aspire to be beautiful, looking like you haven't slept can be a problem in professional [...]
Depression can make it difficult to deal with everyday life, let alone insomnia as well, but the two conditions often go hand in hand. Karine, now 22, was only in her teens when depression struck, and the sleep problems that followed turned her life upside down. Now, however, she is [...]
Sometimes sleep problems don't mean not being able to sleep at all, they mean not being able to sleep at the right times. Scientific evidence increasingly suggests that most of us go through a phase in our teens when it's natural for us to struggle in the mornings and feel [...]
Do you have trouble getting your baby to go to sleep at night? This is a problem most parents face at some point, and managing it successfully can be important to helping your baby develop a healthy sleep cycle in later life. It can also help you to get a [...]
It's well known that certain types of changes in the brain, such as those following strokes, can trigger insomnia - but did you know that insomnia can also trigger changes in the brain? Some of these help to explain the links between insomnia and other health problems, whilst others help [...]
Many people with sleep problems are affected by light, with too much or too little making things worse. Different types of light can also affect how you sleep and can change your natural sleep cycle. Understanding and controlling light in your bedroom can make it easier to sleep well at [...]
Everybody suffers from sleeplessness from time to time. Whether it's caused by illness, stress, pain or over-excitement, it's a common problem. So how can you tell if your problem is just temporary or if it's becoming something more serious? How long should you wait before deciding that you may have [...]
What is it like to live with serious sleep problems in the long term? We talked to Dave, in his mid-thirties, who has been dealing with Insomnia for a decade. Dave's Sleep Problems "It started due to another medical problem about 10 years ago, and I don't know if it's [...]
After decades of trying to manage insomnia with drugs, doctors are waking up to the possibility that psychotherapy may be a more effective option for many patients. Increasingly, research studies are showing that cognitive behavioural therapy (or CBT) can help insomniacs break away from problem sleep patterns and reset their [...]
As any chronic pain sufferer knows, a common side effect of their affliction can be sleep problems. Whether it's difficulty in getting to sleep or waking in the night, pain can lead to exhaustion which makes it still harder to function during the day. Even if your pain cannot be [...]
Just having insomnia can be depressing enough, but increasingly, studies are suggesting that it's linked to long term health problems. This isn't as bad as it might sound. As such problems are identified, people with long term insomnia can adjust their lives to cut out other risk factors and reduce [...]
Recreational drug use, addiction and abuse of common legal drugs can contribute to a lot of health problems, but what many people don't realise is that they can create serious problems with insomnia. This problem is compounded by the fact that many people hesitate to discuss their drug use with [...]
If you're persistently having problems sleeping, it's not hard to figure out that something is wrong. Working out what type of insomnia you have is the first step toward doing something about it. Your doctor can help with this, but for the most part you will need to monitor your [...]
After many decades of research, scientists think they may finally have found the key to how sleep is regulated in the brain. Whilst this is unlikely to lead to a cure for all forms of insomnia, it could be of major significance in the development of medicines aimed at treating [...]
If you suffer from ongoing tiredness during the day because of your insomnia, you may find it hard to apply yourself to everyday tasks. At home, at work, and when you're out and about, difficulty concentrating can make trivial things take ten times longer. It can make it difficult to [...]
If you are struggling with ongoing sleep problems and nothing your doctor can prescribe seems to help, or if you feel uncomfortable about the idea of taking sleeping pills, acupuncture offers a solution. Worldwide,an increasing number of people are turning to acupuncture to cure insomnia - but what does the [...]
As anybody with long term health problems knows, even the best medicines can have unpleasant side effects, and some seem to be more trouble than they're worth. Could your medicine be causing your insomnia? If so, what should you do about it? Coming off your medicine unsupervised is rarely a [...]
Dealing with insomnia can make life feel very lonely. Often family members don't really understand, and they may find that it disrupts their own lives, or may feel frustrated because they can't help. In other cases family members' behaviour is a root cause of the problem. How can you reduce [...]
Coping with the effects of insomnia when you go to work can be very difficult. Your performance may suffer, or you may find that you are not able to work at all. Your boss or colleagues may not take your situation seriously. It's important to understand your options and know [...]
Although it may manifest as a complex problem, insomnia often has quite simple causes. One of these can be dehydration. Most people in Britain don't drink as much fluid as they need for optimum health. Although, over time, they may inadvertently train themselves not to feel thirsty, the suppressed desire [...]
Do you struggle to get to sleep at night but often feel as if it would be easy to nod off during the day? Do you find that sleeping on some occasions is easy but that you just can't predict when it's going to be impossible? You may have a [...]
The Parkinson’s Disease Society estimates that around one in 500 people have Parkinson’s disease with 10,000 diagnosed in the UK each year. Although symptoms generally appear after the age of 50, one in 20 of those diagnosed each year are under 40 with men slightly more likely to develop the [...]
Sufferers of Fibromyalgia are often frustrated by the lack of knowledge of the condition. Tests may prove little, often showing no reason for the debilitating pain and discomfort that people report. Symptoms include debilitating pain in many parts of the body and tiredness that seems to go on and on [...]
Multiple Sclerosis affects thousands of people and usually begins in early to middle adulthood, affecting more women than men. An autoimmunine disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues in the body, it affects the myelin which covers the nerves responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and other [...]
It is hard to appreciate how important sleep is until you experience the effects of insomnia or lack of sleep. Feeling tired, grumpy and unable to cope are just a few of the short term symptoms associated with the problem. Prolonged periods without sufficient sleep can lead to physical and [...]
Many will be familiar with the feeling - a late night, difficulty sleeping or too many early mornings, and not only do you feel exhausted but you look rough too! There is no doubt that lack of sleep can affect the way you feel, but does it have any affect [...]
Thank you for your question. Now, I am not quite sure if this is a problem for your husband or you...You say he falls asleep easily and just wakes at the same time each day. As you say he is not stressed, I can only assume that he is having [...]
Sleep can be evasive, and the harder you look, the harder it seems to find. Doctors are naturally reluctant to prescribe pills as they can have side effects and do not provide the long-term help that many people require. This reluctance may have little to do with age but the [...]
Most people will have heard of sleeping pills or even experienced their effects. For short term or severe symptoms they can be a valuable aid to restoring sleep. Staying alert has been more of a challenge for scientists who seek to maintain physical strength and cognitive awareness for longer periods [...]
Tiredness can kill. That is the title of guidance issued by DVLA on the dangers of driving without enough sleep. Of course, most people will be aware of any side effects from medication and not to drive after consuming alcohol, but unfortunately some do not heed the risks. Many more [...]
Many people fail to recognize how lack of sleep affects how they feel during the day. Tiredness results in more than feeling sleepy with an occasional yawn. The implications of continued sleeplessness can be far reaching, affecting not only physical and mental health but also relationships and work. Note the [...]
People are waking up to the reality of how lack of sleep can affect the body and mind. Fatigue and sleep loss affect performance, concentration and the ability to understand and follow instructions. Of course, the ultimate danger is to actually fall asleep and this is a distinct possibility, especially [...]
Employers and employees will not be productive if they are tired and not getting enough sleep. Fatigue at work leads to accidents, bad morale and loss of business. With the present economic environment more and more people are working long hours, split shifts and commuting long distances. It is important [...]
More and more people are recognising the importance of rest and sleep and how it affects performance. A society that increasingly runs on 24/7 results in individuals working and sleeping at times that are out of phase with the normal sleep/wake cycle. This is not about to change so help [...]
The first thing to remember is that sleep is not the same as 'relaxation'. When you are alert but relaxing the muscles are relaxed and still. As soon as you fall asleep the mind is not controlling movement and you enter the different stages of sleep. We are all familiar [...]
Finding help for sleep problems is getting easier as more people recognise the affect that sleep has on their health and wellbeing. It is no longer necessary to suffer in silence and cope with exhaustion or any of the other debilitating side effects. Anyone who has problems sleeping or experiences [...]
Many people are finding the demands of life in the 21st century affects their sleep and even their health. The long working day, shift work and even 24 access to entertainment mean that many people are not getting enough sleep or finding it difficult falling and staying asleep. For some [...]
A trip to the GP may result in a prescription, the recommendation of some self-help techniques, or a referral to a Sleep Laboratory for some additional testing. Sleep is complex and it is often difficult for sufferers to describe their symptoms. This can also apply to those who believe they [...]
Most people experience an occasional night of sleeplessness. Excitement, worry or periods of illness can all take their toll on our sleep. Natural events in life such as puberty, pregnancy and shifts in sleep patterns as we age mean that we need less or more sleep at certain times during [...]
Many people suffer with insomnia and other sleep related conditions for years before deciding to do something positive to improve their sleep and their lives. Lack of sleep affects health, work and relationships and should not be ignored. With increased recognition of the importance of a good night's sleep and [...]
It sounds very much like you are suffering with a form of sleepwalking, which has the medical term of somnambulism. This condition is quite common and affects people in very different ways, such as from a simple shift of position while asleep to carrying out very hazardous activities such as [...]
Antihistamines are available from the chemist without prescription. They are commonly used to treat allergies. They also have a sedative effect and can help relax the mind and body enough to encourage an improved night's sleep. Antihistamines are generally considered to be of little value for improving long term sleep [...]
Understanding Lack Of Sleep. Insomnia is a very common occurrence and affects people of all ages for a variety of reasons. It should be taken as a serious disorder and the root causes determined to find an effective treatment, as if insomnia continues for a long period, it can have [...]
For those of us who cannot sleep the problem is bad enough but add to it the problem of hot nights during the summer months and sleeping can become even more difficult for insomniacs. Even for the person who finds it quite easy to fall asleep the hot summer nights [...]
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects thousands of people in the United Kingdom every night. Insomnia is categorised in two ways: Primary Insomnia Secondary Insomnia Primary Insomnia Primary Insomnia is a condition that is not caused by another condition and is not the side effect of another condition. Indeed [...]
There are lots of us who suffer - or will suffer - from Insomnia at some point in our lives. Some of us will know why we are suffering from it whilst others will spend sleepless nights wondering why they cannot sleep. Insomnia falls into several distinct categories - or [...]
Most people believe that sleep happens as a natural occurrence allowing the body to recharge and rest. While this is true, there are factors that indicate how much sleep we need and when we get it. Melatonin is a hormone produced in the body that allows our body to know [...]
For people who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dealing with the array of symptoms can be debilitating enough when awake but compounding the problem is the symptom of insomnia. This leaves sufferers struggling almost consistently throughout the day and the night, as they desperately attempt to obtain a good [...]
There are many of us who – when suffering from insomnia or other sleep loss related conditions – turn to prescription medications as a means of helping bring about a decent night’s sleep. Why Use Sleep Medications? Sleeping pills are usually only a short-term option if you suffer from Insomnia. [...]
Many of us find it difficult to sleep for a variety of different reasons. In order to help us sleep we have - over the centuries - found many different and ingenious ways of helping our minds relax to such an extent that sleep happens of its own accord. The [...]
Sharing a bed with a partner can help you sleep. The comfort, warmth and security of a good nights sleep with someone you are close to may make it hard for you to sleep apart. For others sleeping together can be a nightmare, with one or both partners suffering from [...]
Most people are familiar with the feeling of drifting off into sleep and being woken by a loud noise or other distraction. It is hard to imagine what it must be like to have Exploding Head Syndrome, a condition where sufferers experience a loud noise in the head before falling [...]
Sufferers of teeth grinding or bruxism may be unaware of the condition until they are affected by some of the symptoms. It mainly happens during sleep, although it can occur during the day. It can accompany all sleep stages but is most common in stages 1 and 2 of non-REM [...]
There are numerous sleeping aids around that promise to help encourage a good night's sleep. Some have been around for centuries and others look to new technology for the answer. A good place to start the search is the bookshop or Internet. Information is the best tool for anyone suffering [...]
Studies increasingly show how sleep affects health and wellbeing. Recent studies have revealed differences in the way men and women are affected by the amount and quality of their sleep. Differences in sleep are found throughout the ages and men are more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances such as [...]
It has been suggested that insomnia during pregnancy is nature's way of preparing women for motherhood! Pregnancy brings a number of changes to sleep, from feeling very tired and sleepy to suffering from insomnia and other sleep disturbances. First Trimester During the early months, hormonal changes make many prospective mothers [...]
Many people find they sleep well away form home. Holidays mean time to relax and the opportunity to sleep longer and catch up on sleep. For some, travel can cause disruption in sleep and make it difficult to function during the day. Business travel may involve busy days followed by [...]
Growing older brings many changes. Changes in sleep are part of the normal ageing process, but some elderly people find it difficult to adjust. Sleep is important to our health and wellbeing at any age and sleep disturbances affect many elderly people. They may remain undiagnosed causing distress and impacting [...]
Foods that prevent you sleeping are easy to recognise - coffee alcohol and sugar. By restricting these before bedtime many people find it easier to sleep. Large meals before bedtime, or going to bed feeling hungry can also make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Again, this is fairly [...]
Sleep deprivation has been used in wars and terrorism as a form of torture to force victims to disclose information. Sleep is a stronger basic need than food and water. Simply, the human body cannot do without sleep. Many people believe they have little or no sleep during the night. [...]
The menopause is an important time for a woman. The physical and emotional symptoms mean that a woman may approach this time with trepidation. Many women pass through the menopause with equanimity. But for others the path is not so easy and insomnia can be an added problem... The menopause [...]
Sleep disturbance in women is affected by natural events in most women's lives. Menstruation, pregnancy and the menopause cause changes in the mind and body and can affect a woman's sleeping patterns. Most women are able to adjust to the hormonal fluctuations that accompany these times but for some, insomnia [...]
How we live affects how well we sleep. Changing habits that have become part of a busy lifestyle is difficult. We may not even be aware that the foods we are eating are keeping us awake at night. By adjusting what and when we eat it is possible to improve [...]
Everyone dreams during sleep. Some people remember their dreams and others may deny they dream at all. Dreaming is a normal part of sleep, but their significance has fascinated generations and continues to enchant young and old alike. Lucid Dreams During lucid dreaming the dreamer is aware that he or [...]
Recent studies show that insomnia affects one in five of the population. Many people will recognise the symptoms: difficulty in falling asleep waking during the night or waking early in the morning. Sleep Diaries Finding the causes for lack of sleep is difficult but many insomniacs have benefited from using [...]
We have come a long way from the institutional care that many still associate with mental illness. In the last twenty years treatment and support has been transferred into the community and drug and psychotherapy have been transformed. Current estimates claim that 1 in 4 people experience mental health problems [...]
The more dramatic examples of Sleepwalking can be seen in the news. Sleepwalkers are able to perform complex movements and have been known to drive, talk, urinate and act out dreams which they are unable to control. In extreme cases they may be involved in falls, accidents, fights or other [...]
Why does stress interfere with sleep? The night should be a time for the body and mind to recover and prepare for the next day. Unfortunately the stresses that we face during the day are immediate and easily resolved. The responses that make the body and mind react to events [...]
Smoking and sleep disturbance often go hand in hand with each other. All stimulants interfere with the body's ability to fall and stay asleep. Dependency means that sleep may be disrupted or delayed as the body craves for nicotine. Illness and discomfort can also make it difficult to fall and [...]
Watch a baby or small child start to feel sleepy and they will naturally stretch and yawn. Babies, children and animals stretch their muscles before sleep and upon waking. For some reason, most adults seem to have lost this natural inclination that helps relax the body and prepare the mind [...]
Snoring is often more disruptive to other people's sleep than the person responsible! In fact, it is not really a problem at all for the snorer - it is just the noise produced as air is drawn into the body through the nose and mouth. The noise is produced when [...]
Bedwetting is upsetting for children and parents. It is very common and often runs in families. Adults may be embarrassed by any memories of bedwetting or might not even remember their own experiences. Children rarely discuss the problem with other children so may feel that they are unusual and feel [...]
Many parents accept that sleep will be a thing of the past when they have a baby. Sleepless night’s early risings and adjusting to baby's needs means that many people ignore their own sleep needs. Sleep is important for physical and mental health. Even short term sleep loss can affect [...]
We live in a world that is rarely silent. For many of us peace and quiet is hard to find. Surrounded by noise throughout the day and into the night we sometimes find it difficult to live without noise. The growth in sales of MP3 players and personal stereos mean [...]
Despite the knowledge that sleeping pills are only of short term benefit, many people continue to experience problems with withdrawal from long term use. Sleeping pills are prescribed for a number of reasons. They help restore sleep in a crisis or during illness. They are available on prescription and the [...]
Sleeping Pills receive a lost of bad press. Many people prefer to work through their insomnia and use natural ways to restore sleep. Although pills have a limited affect on the problem they do have a place in short term treatment. There are times when sleeping pills can help individuals [...]
We live in a world where we are surrounded by chemicals and toxins that affect our health and environment. Fresh air, clean water and sunlight are all essential to health and wellbeing. Environmental toxins can affect our health and our sleep. Most people have experienced how working or sleeping in [...]
Most people will have some experience of how eating late at night can affect sleep. A large meal late at night may mean lying awake as the body works hard trying to digest too much food. Too little and you feel hungry and unsatisfied and find it hard to sleep. [...]
Although we live in a 24 hour society and there is plenty to do at night, most of us choose this time to sleep. It is natural to sleep during the hours of darkness, working with the Circadian Rhythm and fitting in with work and social demands. In some situations [...]
A baby sleeping is a wonderful thing to behold but they're not like adults; A baby will sleep at different times to the rest of us. It seems that as soon as they are settled down and you are preparing for a rest, they start to wake up again... New [...]
Stress plays a large part in all our lives. Many people are finding it helpful to find ways of combating the problem before it affects their health and welfare. Recognising stress should be easy. It seems that everywhere you look people are reading and talking about the subject. Sometimes it [...]
Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy is a therapy where the subject is guided into a state of deep relaxation. They are then more able to receive suggestions that will influence and improve how they feel and act during their waking life. Hypnosis is one of a number of therapeutic techniques that aim [...]
Coffee plays an important part in our lives. It helps wake us up in the morning, provides a pleasant end to a meal and generally plays a large role in society. Our high streets are now dominated by chains of coffee shops. It is readily available in most offices, bars, [...]
It is estimated that up to seven million people in the UK are suffering from insomnia. People who sleep well are usually unaware that they are doing anything exceptional. It is only when sleep becomes a problem that we realise how important sleep is to our health and wellbeing. Causes [...]
Apnea comes from the Greek word 'without breath'. Sufferers of sleep apnea stop breathing during their sleep. This can happen repeatedly during the night and may last for a minute or longer. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep related breathing disorder (SBD). Breathing stops as the upper airway collapses [...]
Most people are familiar with the occasional involuntary muscle movement. It is not unusual to experience a sudden jerky movement just as you are falling asleep. These are known as hypnic jerks or sleep starts and may wake you out of a light sleep. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a [...]
Many people admit to feeling drowsy while driving. A number of recent studies have shown the relationship between sleep and accidents. A study in the USA concluded that 52% of accidents involving heavy trucks were related to driver fatigue! The connection between sleeping and risk of accidents is strong. Lack [...]
Shift Work is defined as work that is outside the normal 9 -5 working day and involves a change in sleeping pattern. This usually means working through the night and sleeping during the day. This may be a permanent arrangement or might be a short term situation. Researchers are increasingly [...]
The increase in long distance travel means that more people are experiencing the condition known as Jet Lag. Jet Lag is caused by flying across time zones in a short space of time. This causes the body's 'internal clock' to fall out of sync with the present location. It may [...]
Most of us experience feeling drowsy during the day or may even take a short nap -given the opportunity. Imagine what it must be like if you literally fell fast asleep several times a day, regardless of the time and place. Narcolepsy is a rare condition where the sufferer falls [...]
Sleep paralysis in children is frightening for the child and the parent. Children experiencing sleep paralysis wake from their dreams and are unable to move. They are conscious but still involved in their dream. Dreaming happens during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. This is the light sleep where the mind [...]
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture - without the needles. Part of traditional Chinese medicine it is increasingly popular in the west. This traditional form of healing aims to treat the person rather than just the revealed symptoms. This may be particularly useful in treating sleep problems as it is often [...]
There has been an increasing interest in Herbal Remedies in helping improve sleep. As our knowledge of how our bodies and minds work together develops, we are more aware of the affect of drugs and nutrients on our sleep. Many people seek to take responsibility for their own health and [...]
Alcohol has been used as a Sleeping Aid for centuries. A small 'tot' of whisky or other spirit has helped many adults drift off into a peaceful sleep. The initial sedative affect of a single drink taken occasionally to help you wind down and relax after a stressful day is [...]
Whether we are aware of it or not we all dream. Some people have vivid recall of their dreams, while others can barely remember ever having a dream. Dreams happen during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep. In this sleep state the mind is active and the muscles deeply relaxed. While [...]
Many people experience nightmares at some time during their life. They can cause anxiety and confusion as the disturbing images and events are often remembered when awake. Nightmares happen during REM sleep. This is when sleep is lighter and accompanied by eye movement. They usually occur during the last half [...]
Night terrors can be distressing not only to the sufferer but also to anyone observing or trying to help. Victims of night terrors may appear severely upset, terrified and even be screaming with fright. Although confused and upset, any efforts to comfort are futile as the sufferer is unable to [...]
It can seem like a long distance run when you have sleepless nights. Preparing yourself to face the night you become more and more dispirited, knowing that for the next 8 hours you will lie in bed tossing and turning. When it is time to get up, you know you [...]
Insomnia is a common problem. Most people suffer from an occasional sleepless night. There are also a number of other problems which can affect the length and quality of your sleep. An accurate diagnosis will mean giving some time and thought to the problem. This is often difficult as you [...]
Lack of sleep can leave you feeling low and depressed. Lacking in energy and irritable it is hard to find any pleasure in life. If sleep problems persist it is likely that you will even give up some of the things that previously gave you pleasure - evenings out, exercise [...]
We all experience anger at some time in our lives. We may be on the receiving end of another's anger at a real or perceived wrong doing - or have feelings of anger that arise from time to time. Usually these are justified and short-lived as we learn to accept [...]
It is natural to show emotion. We relate to others and react to life events by expressing our feelings. Anxiety is part of life and is nature's way of keeping us prepared for the unexpected or events that need our heightened attention. We experience anxiety from childhood. That feeling of [...]
So who stole my sleep? Many people find it difficult to pinpoint exactly when they started to find it difficult to sleep. Sometimes it seems to just creep up on you. What starts as an occasional night of sleeplessness becomes, months or even years of poor quality sleep. Sleep is [...]
The healing power of touch has been providing pleasure and comfort for centuries. Anyone who has ever experienced a professional massage will be aware of how deeply relaxing massage can be. Many people fall into a blissful sleep during the session and the benefits can last 'til bedtime. Massage affects [...]
Exercise is important for a healthy life. Having a healthy body and a relaxed mind will increase your chances of being able to fall asleep and gain the benefits of a good night's sleep. Not only will exercise reduce the risk of premature death from heart disease and other diseases, [...]
The ancient art of Feng Shui can help create a space that will be conducive to a good night’s sleep. Feng Shui means wind and water. It is believed that these elements help determine your health, wealth and good fortune. Taoists seek to harmonise the environment and create spaces that [...]
We experience a number of sleeping conditions during our lifetime. We leave the warmth and security of the womb and spend the early years in the safety of a cot. As we grow up we might have a number of different beds and bedrooms. When we leave home we may [...]
Asleep or not we spend a large part of our lives in bed. If you are a poor sleeper or suffering from sleep problems, you may not be aware that your bed is affecting the quality of your sleep. Many people find they sleep better away from home. There may [...]
Yoga will help you improve your strength and flexibility and help you feel relaxed and calm. Aerobic exercise often leaves you feeling invigorated and alert and may keep you awake if taken too near to bedtime. A combination exercise that will improve your cardiovascular fitness, keep you strong and flexible [...]
Pranayama means the control of prana. In yoga this is achieved by learning techniques, which help you to control your breathing. When you are able to control how you breathe you are better able to cope with stress and other physical demands. The mind becomes calmer and you are more [...]
Meditation is a method that many people use to improve their chances of getting a good night's sleep. In order to begin meditation you need to find a quiet space where you are unlikely to be disturbed. Try and allow yourself at least half an hour and make sure the [...]
Nearly everything we do affects our sleep. The way we spend our days will influence the quality of our night's sleep. The brain needs sleep in order to function but sometimes seems determined to keep us awake. How do you turn off the constant activity of an active mind? In [...]
A short daily meditation session can make all the difference to a good night's sleep. By teaching the mind to disconnect from all the cares and despairs of the day, you may be able take that final step towards the land of slumber. Candle Gazing Candle Gazing (Trakaka) is an [...]
Most of us only start to think about sleep when we have a problem. Until then, we are happy to go to bed and wake up refreshed. Problems such as insomnia may develop over a period of time, or be triggered by a single event. Whatever the cause or the [...]
Most of us are familiar with our own body clock. Given the opportunity of an extra hour in bed and we still wake up at the same time. Or, the party is still in full swing and we can barely stay awake. The 'body clock' is the result of the [...]
As the days draw in and the nights become longer, most of us feel like retreating into the warm. It is not unusual to feel like a few extra hours in bed rather than face a dark morning and to feel sleepy as the light fades. In the summer the [...]
Every parent knows the importance of sleep – it seems you just can't get enough of it! Pregnancy is a good introduction to this as an expectant mother's sleep is often disturbed as they adjust to their changing body. Sleep and Babies Babies cannot manage with night-time sleep alone and [...]
Most people have fairly strong ideas about what is the right time to sleep. This may depend on how they have been brought up, or have developed from the demands of work, family and other commitments. For some, fitting in a few hours shut-eye is very low on their list [...]
Ask someone why they sleep and they are likely to reply: "Because I'm tired of course…" Ask them why they are tired and they may reply: "I haven't had enough sleep…"This shows the importance of the relationship between sleep and being awake. So why do we sleep? Could we do [...]
Sleep is not only a period of rest during our waking lives, but is needed to keep our bodies and minds functioning smoothly. Like many things in life, we rarely consider its importance until there is a problem such as insomnia. Sleep is complex and just like when we are [...]
If you consider the amount of time we spend sleeping, it is surprising that there has been so little interest by sociologists and historians until the last century. Although researchers have studied and recorded every other part of our evolvement, the mystery of sleep seems to have offered little inspiration [...]
Our breathing changes throughout the day, if we move quickly or if we are stressed and anxious we breathe faster, if we relax our breathing and heart rate slows down. Many people, particularly women, only use part of their lung capacity leading to feelings of panic. Try breathing fast, as [...]
For many poor sleepers learning how to relax is easier than getting to sleep. Learning relaxation techniques often helps them get through the transition from feeling relaxed to falling asleep. It also helps relax the body easing muscle tension and calming the mind. Relaxation can be learnt and many people [...]
Relaxation is not the same as sleep. We are not conscious or in control of our brain and body while we are asleep. The body moves and the brain is active. When we are in a true state of relaxation, the muscles are relaxed and the mind is still. Relaxation [...]
You are so tired; you fall asleep watching the television. You then drag yourself to bed…And, surprise, surprise! You can't sleep. Then follows another sleepless night, and you are so exhausted you fall asleep on the train coming home… If you recognise this, or a similar scenario, you need to [...]
Many couples are aware of the importance of the right temperature for a good nights sleep. One partner throws the duvet off the bed leaving the other shivering… Or, in a bid to keep warm, covers are 'stolen' during the night. Body temperature varies between individuals between 97.2 - 100F [...]
It would be good to report that you can 'sleep yourself thin', but unfortunately it is not that simple. The comforting news however, is that research suggests there is a link between sleep and what is now described as an 'obesity epidemic'. Shorter sleeping hours, for whatever reason, are being [...]
It is amazing that the mind and body can be refreshed after a nights sleep. Far from being a time of stillness and relaxation, sleep may take us into parts of the subconscious mind that we are unable to reach during our waking hours... Sleep is divided into four stages [...]
