Health Library

Sleep disorders are more common than you might think. Some of the most common sleep disorders include:

• Insomnia: Many adults will complain of difficulty falling or staying asleep or waking too early at some point in their lives.
• Sleep apnea: Noisy, irregular breathing can signal this treatable sleep disorder. In severe cases, the sleeper wakes several hundred times during the night due to a partial obstruction that temporarily blocks air flow. Untreated sleep apnea may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk of diabetes.

Insomnia is a common complaint—it is more common in older people and women. Problems with sleep may include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, frequent night wakings, sleepiness during the day, and sleep that is not refreshing. Sleep troubles may seem like just an inconvenience, but if left untreated, insomnia can lead to poor overall health and even depression.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a number of health problems can make sleeping difficult:

• Pain: People with arthritis may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of painful joints. If you suffer from arthritis, ask your doctor about treatment for the pain.
• Heartburn: Nighttime heartburn may cause symptoms of wheezing and chronic cough, with repeated awakenings and daytime sleepiness. Raising the head of the bed may alleviate symptoms, or medicine may be needed.
• Respiratory ailments: Asthma, chronic interstitial lung disease, and various neuromuscular diseases can cause awakening.
• Menopause: The hot flashes and breathing changes associated with menopause appear to disturb sleep. In one study, hot flashes were associated with arousals once every eight minutes on average.
• Medicine: Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your medicines can cause insomnia or drowsiness, and if changing the time the drug is taken could help overcome these problems.
• Going to the bathroom: An enlarged prostate or other conditions cause an increased need to get up and go to the bathroom through the night. These multiple trips can disturb your sleep. If you are going to the bathroom multiple times per night, discuss this with your doctor.
• Chemical changes: Production of the hormone melatonin, which influences sleep and wakefulness, changes as we get older.

Good sleep habits include:

• Go to bed at the same time each night.
• Reserve your bed for sleep and sex. Watch television or read in another room.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes, especially in the afternoon and evening.
• Do not lie in bed watching the clock. If you cannot fall asleep within half an hour, get up and listen to calming music or read.
• Try to get some exercise every day—but not too close to bedtime.
• Limit naps and do not nap longer than 30 minutes.
• Take a walk outside during the day.
• Sleep in a cool, quiet, dark room. Wear earplugs or eyeshades to block out light and sound.
• Sleep on comfortable bedding.
• Limit drinking liquids a few hours before bedtime.
• Do not go to bed hungry or overstuffed. Both may cause physical discomfort.

A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association found behavioral changes provided longer-lasting benefits in the treatment of insomnia than did sleep medicines. With a diary of your sleep and wake habits, your doctor may help determine the cause of and solution to your sleeplessness.

Melatonin supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and lack sufficient evidence proving that they can aid sleep. However, research indicates that melatonin might be beneficial for patients with jet lag. Valerian, an herb, has been used all over the world to induce sleep. There is mixed evidence to how effective it is though. Inform your doctor if you are taking any herbal supplements.

Remember that sleep is a necessity, not a commodity. It is as much a part of overall health as good nutrition and regular exercise. So do not settle for two to three hours per night. Crawl into a comfortable bed, don your earplugs, and turn off all the lights. And call your doctor if you need help.