Sleep is something that everyone needs and has to have to function well. The only thing is not everybody sleeps well. 

For example studies show that roughly half of the population in America don’t think they are getting enough sleep and claim that insufficient sleep hinders their daily activities. It seems that 35 percent of them indicate their sleep as poor and unsatisfactory while 20 percent of Americans state that they don’t wake up feeling refreshed at all. Not getting enough sleep and rest is a serious issue that can severely affect the quality of life. Sleep deprivation is caused by disorders. These can develop at any point in life, depending on one’s lifestyle. Here are the three most common sleep disorders you need to know.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that interacts with the part of the brain that controls leg motion. RLS gives the patient a constant and sometimes overwhelming need to move the legs and other body parts when laying or sitting still. People develop pulling, itching and burning sensation in their legs.

This condition is considered a sleep disorder because the constant need to move the legs messes with a person’s quality of sleep. Lack of sleep is one of the most common symptoms of this condition. Almost 10 percent of adults and 2 percent of children are affected by RLS.

People who suffer from it can find relief in home remedies, medicines or lifestyle changes. Trying to sleep on a regular schedule, use of vitamins, massaging and applying heat or cold on the legs before sleep can help combat the side effects of this condition.

Vitamins are important to help combat RLS, because their deficiency is associated with mild to moderate symptoms of this condition. Doctors recommend vitamin B and C supplements. One can also use mineral supplements such as magnesium, iron and folic acid to speed up the process.

Over the counter medications for RLS can help in case there is any pain. Drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can also help reduce the pain. Just remember using these medications for a long period can lead to serious side effects such as ulcers and heart problems.

Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders. It affects a huge part of the American population. It appears that possibly 60 million Americans are diagnosed with insomnia every year. People with this condition indicate having difficulty going to sleep at night, waking up often in the middle of the night and waking up earlier in the morning than planned or desired too. Insomnia can affect people across all ages. It seems, older people are the most affected by it. Not being able to get enough sleep due to insomnia can lead to many problems. For instance, one might have excessive sleepiness during the day and general lack of energy. It can also create difficulties concentrating, ineffective memory and perform poorly at work or school. In severe cases, insomnia can contribute to depression.

Luckily, expert researchers have managed to develop different treatments for insomnia patients. One effective strategy is to sleep in the correct position. They recommend sleeping on one side to decrease the likelihood of interrupted sleep. Furthermore, this sleep position allows blood flow, it reduces snoring and acid reflux, preventing back and neck pain. For a good sleep, specialists recommend choosing the best type of mattress for side sleepers and a cool pillow. Memory foam with cooling infused in it is a great choice for a cool pillow. Most people like to use cooling pillows because they absorb excess heat, allowing for a good night’s sleep

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea affects a lot of people. This occurs when a person’s breathing stops for some time during the night because of the obstruction of the repository tract. The brain will partially awaken the person from sleep so that he can breathe harder and get rid of the blockage. People affected by this condition cannot sleep continuously. When the interruption occurs severally, the brain does not have enough time to reset to sleep mode. What this means is the body will not get back to the deeper phases of sleep where the organs, tissues and cognitive functions prepare for the next day.

It is possible to treat sleep apnea by employing both medical and natural techniques. Some people use the oral appliance therapy (OAT) to prevent the collapse of the muscles and soft tissues in the respiratory tract, keeping the airway open in the process. In severe cases, the doctors may recommend surgery depending on the severity.

You can also treat sleep apnea by exercising the throat muscles and the tongue. By doing this exercise of the muscles in the throat will strengthen them and make them less likely to collapse during sleep. One effective way to exercise these muscles is by gargling with water for at least five minutes twice a day. Other treatment options involve lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and also watching your diet.

Having enough sleep at night is beneficial for your performance and overall health.  It could be a simple fix as replacing your old mattress with a new Live and Sleep Memory Foam Mattress.  It is important to know how to recognize the symptoms of sleep conditions and deal with them before it is too late.

This website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Live & Sleep is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this website. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health.