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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
