By Reuben Pumphrey


Insomnia and other sleep disorders affect a large number of people. A restful night's sleep of sufficient length is vital if the body and mind are to repair, refresh and refuel themselves. Over time, sleeplessness can contribute to other problems and have impact on the healthy functioning of both the body and the mind.

In a professional sense, insomnia is restricted to being unable to fall asleep and/or being unable to remain sleeping for more than a short period. Factors which influence patterns of rest include physical aspects, stress and/or psychological trauma. As a result, an insomniac may find themselves suffering from drowsiness during the day. They may have feelings of depression, anxiety and general fatigue.

Being unable to get a good night's rest can be caused by a number of conditions. Two of these are sleep apnoea and restless leg syndrome. Both are quite common and a major cause of inadequate rest.

Sleep apnoea is now believed to affect a large part of the population. Many people are not aware they suffer from this. Apnoea causes brief, temporary cessation of breathing during rest. The airways collapse and breathing stops. Although the periods are short they may occur many times over a period of rest.

A consequence of apnoea is that blood oxygen levels decrease and carbon monoxide levels rise. As the body strives to correct the levels, it is put under stress. Once the condition is diagnosed, it is sometimes treated by the sufferer being given a mask to wear. These are known as CPAP masks, an acronym for continuous positive air pressure. These force air into the respiratory system, keeping oxygen levels at a more acceptable level.

A neurological condition which causes disrupted sleeping patterns is restless leg syndrome. There may be burning, itching or prickling sensations. Some sufferers say the sensation is of insects crawling over the skin. The legs may jerk involuntarily. This may wake a person. There is a continual need to change position to gain some relief.

One or both legs may be affected. There is a continual compulsion to move the limbs. Sensations may occur throughout the day. A doctor can help alleviate restless leg syndrome once it has been diagnosed. The condition is often found in conjunction with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). This can affect any of the limbs.

Because a good night's rest is vital to a person's general health and well-being, insomnia and other sleep disorders should be investigated by a professional health practitioner. A sleep study or polysomnography will help determine your usual pattern of rest. It will analyse brain activity during sleep and the way the body responds.




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