Written by Joy Milkowski
Sleep is one of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle. Without enough sleep, both our mental and physical wellbeing disintegrate. Insomnia is a frustrating and potentially harmful condition which results in the inability fall asleep or get sufficient sleep throughout the night. It can last only one night or go on interminably, becoming a chronic affliction, if left unchecked.
Insomnia can seem overwhelming, but with proper education and willingness to make changes, there is no reason why anyone should have to struggle to sleep at night. Knowing the factors precipitate of insomnia and how to counteract them empowers people who suffer from insomnia to improve the quality or quantity of their sleep, so they can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face each day with vigor and confidence.
Insomnia affects the quality of sleep either by difficulty initiating sleep, restlessness or waking activity throughout the night, waking up too early, or waking up feeling ill-rested.
The duration and causes of insomnia vary. Insomnia can be short term, lasting one night to a few weeks or intermittent, which is short term insomnia recurring from time to time. Chronic insomnia is sleeplessness which occurs at least three nights a week for a month or more. Insomnia can be caused by medical or mental health problems (secondary insomnia) or be unrelated to any other ailment (primary insomnia). A doctor can help a patient find the best course of action in dealing with and overcoming insomnia.
Traditional treatments vary depending on the type and severity of the insomnia and range from behavior and lifestyle changes to medication. If the patient has any issues predisposing them to insomnia, then the first step is to deal with the contributing factors. Also, pinpointing and eliminating behaviors which would compromise restful sleep such as drinking alcohol or exercising before bed is important. Prescription or over the counter sleeping pills can be used in extreme cases, although they often have undesirable side effects and can become addictive.
There are also some effective non-medicinal methods available to improve sleep. Insomnia sufferers can use relaxation therapy to reduce tension in the body and promote physical and emotional serenity before bedtime. Sleep restriction is another strategy meant to address insomnia by reducing the hours spent just lying in bed trying to fall asleep. Reconditioning teaches those with insomnia to use the bed only for sleeping so their mind will associate the bed with sleep and with bedtime.
While there are many treatment options, the best way to get a good night’s sleep may come through a combination of remedies, including your choice of mattress. Many people with insomnia suffer merely because their habits and conditions for sleeping are askew. An early factor to consider when addressing insomnia is where – and on what surface – does sleeping takes place. Optimal sleeping conditions start with a quality mattress. The mattress itself affects the sleep environment in a variety of ways, which can individually or jointly contribute to insomnia:
• Partner motion: The right mattress shouldn’t transfer a man or woman’s movement to their partner’s side, potentially disturbing them.
• Pressure points: A mattress should relieve pressure points on a person’s body and minimize the need to shift positions several times a night. This shifting can lead to unwanted restlessness.
• Allergies: Dust mites, molds, bacteria, and other microbes can exist in mattresses causing allergy or asthma sufferers to experience discomfort and sleeplessness.
Both memory foam and latex mattresses are an ideal choice for insomnia sufferers because they address all three of these factors. Foam and latex mattresses don’t transfer the energy of a partner to the opposite side of the bed, nor do they create sleep disrupting pressure points on the body. Furthermore, they are an unsuitable environment for allergy causing microbes which can interrupt sleep. All in all, investing in a latex mattress or a memory foam mattress can be the start of a restful night’s sleep.
Here are some quick tips to getting optimal sleep:
1. Choose a good sleeping environment that is dark, cool, and quiet
2. Develop a regular sleep schedule
3. Avoid naps after 3:oop.m
4. Get exercise daily but not to close to bed time
5. Avoid alcohol or caffeine late in the day
6. Choose a mattress made of latex or foam conducive to restful sleep
Insomnia has a serious effect on all whom it afflicts, but many have the ability to overcome it. Get the help you need by talking with your doctor, changing detrimental sleeping habits and implementing optimal sleeping conditions, starting with your mattress.
For more information on how a latex mattress or memory foam mattress can better help you sleep at night, visit FoamSource.com or call 800-255-0181.
Works Cited
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/insomnia.htm#b
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/245/main.gtml#causesandriskfactorsofinsomnia
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