Myth 1: Sleep is a time when your body and brain shut down for rest and relaxation. No evidence shows that any major organ (including the brain) or regulatory system in the body shuts down during sleep. Some physiological processes actually become more active while you sleep. For example, secretion of certain hormones is boosted,…
Insomnia
Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint. It occurs when you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep even though you had the opportunity to get a full night of sleep. The causes, symptoms and severity of insomnia vary from person to person. Insomnia may include: Difficulty falling asleep Difficulty staying asleep throughout the night…
Child Insomnia
Childhood Insomnia Roughly a quarter of children complain of bedtime struggles and night awakenings. Childhood sleep problems may arise for a variety of reasons such as medical illness, irregular schedules, and difficulties with limit-setting. If left unresolved, the impact to the child, caregiver, and the family can be quite large. Sleep disturbances and/or insufficient sleep…
Short Sleeper
Natural short sleeper A natural short sleeper is someone who sleeps a lot less in a 24-hour period than is expected for people of the same age, without being abnormally sleepy. Causes Although each person’s need for sleep varies, the typical adult needs an average of 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Short…
Insomnia
Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder where people have trouble sleeping.[1] They may have difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep as long as desired.[11][9] Insomnia is typically followed by daytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability, and a depressed mood.[1] It may result in an increased risk of motor vehicle collisions, as well as…
10 Ways to End Those Bedtime Battles
by Whitney Roban PhD Bedtime battles are a common sleep issue that many parents face with their children on a daily basis. Instead of ending the day in a calming and relaxing manner, many families struggle with bedtime protesting that could potentially last for hours before a child finally falls asleep. Fortunately, there are many…
Communication Networks in the Brain Linked to Insomnia
by Rachael Herman Published in the online version of the journal, Radiology, new research found brain white matter tract abnormalities in patients suffering from insomnia. These findings were made using a sophisticated MRI technique. Primary insomnia is characterized by an individual’s inability to fall or stay asleep at night for at least one month. This…
Three Exciting Treatments for Insomnia
by Abimbola Farinde Insomnia is recognized as a difficulty with falling asleep or staying asleep.This condition affects approximately more than half of Americans. It is considered to be one of the most common sleep problems. It is reported that 30% of the population suffer from insomnia, with one and three people suffering from some type…
Risk of Metabolic Syndrome due to Daytime Sleepiness and Long Naps
by Rachael Herman A study scheduled to be reviewed at the 65th Annual Scientific Session for the American College of Cardiology reports that long naps and daytime sleepiness put an individual at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a collection of conditions that put an individual at risk for developing…
Childhood Sleep and School Success
by Rachael Herman New research out of Australia’s Queensland University of Technology suggests that 1 in 3 children between newborn and five years of age have trouble sleeping, leading to behavioral and emotional problems in the school setting. It was found that children who can ease themselves back to sleep in their earliest years have…
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