| |
You may think you're getting enough sleep, but
around 25% of us routinely suffer from a sleep disorder
of some kind. Sleep disorders can be anything from insomnia
and sleep apnea (difficulty breathing while asleep) to
excessive snoring and restless leg syndrome.
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders and
can be caused by many things. Alcohol, caffeine, the wrong
types of food - or simply too much stress can all
be contributing factors. Shift work and jet lag can also
play havoc with your ability to get a good night's
sleep.
Apnea is the inability to breathe properly while asleep.
Apnea sufferers are not getting enough oxygen and also
suffer from loud snoring. Apnea is commonly caused by
an obstruction in the throat and symptoms include waking
up and gasping for air, waking up sweating or with a headache.
If you have ever had restless leg syndrome - you
will know how irritating it is and how it can prevent
you from sleeping. The main symptom is an uncontrollable
urge to move the legs or arms - usually when you're
in a confined space. A variation is Periodic Limb Movement,
in which limbs suddenly move during sleep - usually
causing the sufferer to wake.
Narcolepsy, which is hereditary, affects a small number
of people and can potentially be a serious problem. People
with narcolepsy can fall asleep while driving, walking
and these sleep attacks can last for up to thirty minutes.
www.mattressnextday.co.uk |
|
