Sleep Solutions ~ Tips for Better Sleep

Dream Essentials as Featured on the Style Channel 'Stripped'

2008-02-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.dreamessentials.com - Go behind the scenes with Sleep Mask manufacturer Dream Essentials. Featuring brain physiologist Dr. Joseph Dispenza (What the Bleep movie and bestselling author).

What is Insomnia?

2008-02-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

Insomnia is the inability to make the transition from the mentally active Beta brain-wave state to the slower frequency wave states of sleep. There are three basic types of insomnia:

Transient Insomnia:
Transient, or intermittent insomnia, lasts only a few days and is usually related to identifiable factors such as acute medical illness, changes in the sleeping environment, self-medication, jet lag and acute or recurring stress from work problems, concerns about health, marital strife, etc.

Short-term Insomnia:
Short-term insomnia is slightly more serious because it persists for about 2-3 weeks. Contributing factors include a job change, divorce, serious illness, financial problems, or the death of a close friend/relative.

Chronic Insomnia:
This is the most serious type, with episodes lasting longer than a few weeks. Approximately 10-15% of the North American population suffers from chronic insomnia. Behavioral insomnia is the classic form of chronic insomnia, with the individual having difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep with a short overall sleep duration - even when they have adequate opportunity for sleep. Individuals with behavioral insomnia, through learned associations, have conditioned themselves to become tense and anxious at the thought of trying to go to sleep, exactly the opposite behavior that is required for rest.

Why Can't People Sleep?

2008-02-15T10:06:00.000-08:00

So what does cause people to have difficulty with sleeping?

Probably the single biggest cause of lack of sleep is the fact that people cannot shut out all of the thoughts that course through their mind at bedtime. Worries and concerns with life, finances, work, family or relationships all wrestle for attention in the brain and prevent the physiological and chemical changes necessary for sleep to occur. Most people seek and are sedated by entertainment and then are forced to deal with the issues in their lives once the only voice that can be heard is their own in the quiet of the bedroom.

Many other conditions can also prevent sleep from coming easily, such as the amount of ambient light in the room, noise and comfort. If a person is not comfortable, they are too hot, too cold, or can feel the springs in the matress then sleep will be difficult. Medical conditions, alchohol or medications also have their influence on how readily the body can prepare itself for slumber.

Very often, very simple solutions can be found to create just the right atmosphere for sleep. Starting with an honest evaluation of your current situation is the first step in the process.

So is Lack of Sleep Really a Problem?

2008-02-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

Here are just some of the Physiological Effects that have been linked to not getting enough sleep.

aching muscles

blurred vision

clinical depression

daytime drowsiness and naps

decreased mental activity and concetration

weakened immune system

dizziness

dark circles under the eyes

fainting

general confusion

hallucinations

hand tremors

headache

hyperactivity

hypertension

impatience

irritability

memory lapses or loss

nausea

psychosis

pallor

slowed reaction time

slurred and/or nonsensical speech

weight loss or gain

severe yawning

If you suffer from lack of sleep and can associate with any of these symptons, then this blog is especially for you. We are going to investigate why people have trouble with sleeping and discuss many of the solutions available.

So stay tuned