Written by Nicole Baldwin FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner
Sleep is a complex biological process. While you are sleep, your brain and body functions are still active. When you are lacking enough sleep, your daily functioning, physical and mental health may be affected.
There are more than 80 different sleep disorders. Some people feel tired during the day and have a true sleep disorder such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or hypersonic to name a few. Insomnia is the most common disorder and is an inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep apnea is a disorder which a person stops breathing during sleep for ten seconds or more. Sleep apnea may occur several times throughout the night. Hypersomnia includes a condition called narcolepsy which is the inability to stay awake during the day.
Help promote consistent, regular sleep patterns by following these tips: –Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine for the last four hours before bed
- Don’t exercise within two hours before bed.
- Do not eat meals within two hours of bedtime.
- Sleep in a quiet, dark room without having television on.
- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
If these tips do not work and you’re unable to sleep well for more than one month, this is important to discuss with your healthcare provider to rule out physical causes.
Be Healthy! Be Well!