Sleeplessness is a worldwide epidemic with profound consequences on physical and mental health.
- 70 million people suffer from lack of sleep in the USA alone.
- 42 million Sleep Aid Prescriptions were written in 2005.
- This is up 60% when compared to 2000. I
It is a well know fact that a good night's sleep restores energy and vitality, boosts the immune system, erases signs of premature aging and is now recognized as a KEY factor in effective weight loss.
What really is insomnia?
It is not unusual to have sleep troubles from time to time. But, if you feel that you do not get enough sleep or satisfying sleep, you may have insomnia, a sleep disorder. People with insomnia have one or more of the following:
· difficulty falling asleep;
· waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep;
· waking up too early in the morning;
· unrefreshing sleep.
Insomnia can cause problems during the day,
· Poor performance at school or work
· Irritability, stress and mood swings
· Increased accidents and fatigue related injuries
· Falling asleep at the wheel
· Impaired metabolism, disrupted hormone levels
· Increased appetite and weight gain
Insomnia is not defined by the number of hours you sleep every night. The amount of sleep a person needs varies. While most people need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night, some people do well with less, and some need more.
About 60 million Americans each year suffer from insomnia, which can lead to serious sleep deficits and problems. Insomnia tends to increase with age and affects about 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men.
The Benefits of a Good night's Sleep
· Reverses the aging process
· Dramatically improves your appearance
· Boosts you immune system
· Enhances focus, concentration and productivity
· Supports a positive attitude and feeling of well-being
What habits promote a good night's sleep?
Good sleep habits can help you get a good night's sleep. For example:
· Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Try not to take naps during the day because naps may make you less sleepy at night.
· Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and can keep you from falling asleep. Alcohol can cause waking in the night and interferes with sleep quality.
· Get regular exercise. Try not to exercise close to bedtime because it may stimulate you and make it hard to fall asleep. Experts suggest not exercising for 3 hours before the time you go to sleep.
· Don't eat a heavy meal late in the day. A light snack before bedtime, however, may help you sleep.
· Make your sleeping place comfortable. Be sure that it is dark, quiet, and not too warm or too cold. If light is a problem, try a sleeping mask. If noise is a problem, try earplugs, a fan, or a "white noise" machine to cover up the sounds.
· Follow a routine to help relax and wind down before sleep, such as reading a book, listening to music, or taking a bath.
· Avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep or sex.
· If you can't fall asleep and don't feel drowsy, get up and read or do something that is not overly stimulating until you feel sleepy.
· If you have trouble lying awake worrying about things, try making a to-do list before you go to bed. This may help you to "let go" of those worries overnight.
As a member of the National Sleep Foundation, I would recommend visiting our interactive website for very interesting details on this subject. www.SleepFoundation.org
In another study of alternative therapies, it was demonstrated that natural relaxation techniques, such as hypnosis is as effective as habit forming sleep medications. Many of my personal hypnotherapy clients are suffering from that the lack of adequate sleep. Since they are afraid of the addictive potential of prescription drugs, many have confessed to me that they are so desperate for relief; they actually use Benadryl, Tylenol PM or Advil PM. To address this critical need, I have created my Serenity Sleep CD to enhance deep restorative and healing sleep.
Embedded within this CD are affirmations for healthy thinking and behavior for all around wellness. Play it at bedtime to drift off and enjoy all the benefits from a peaceful and restful Serenity Sleep.
It is available in the "SHOP" section of my website www.AddieKania.com
Sweet Dreams!
Be Well
Addie
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