|
The Sleep Stealers
Our body needs to
recharge after a day’s hustle and bustle of activities. According to
experts, adults need at least 8 hours of sleep every night. But sometimes
we find it hard to fall and stay asleep due to several physical, mental
and environmental factors – the sleep stealers.
We have compiled a
list of possible sleep stealers. They include:
- Stress.
Experts consider stress as the leading cause of sleeping difficulties.
It includes academic or career-related pressures, relationship problems
and family crisis.
- Lifestyle
stressors. Some of our daily
habits may bring about sleeping problems. One should avoid drinking
alcohol or caffeinated beverages less than five hours before bedtime;
going to bed too full or too hungry; engaging in mentally-challenging
activities before going to bed, or; exercising too close to bedtime.
- Noise.
Experts believe that noise level at 40 – 70 decibels generally keep
people awake. A person talking measures about 50 decibels.
- Shift work.
Most shift workers don’t get enough. When shift falls during late night
to the wee hours of dawn, the employee is fighting the natural
wake-sleep pattern.
- Jet lag.
Inability to sleep caused when traveling across several time zones. This
causes the body’s natural biological rhythms to get out of sync.
- Sleep surface.
Sleeping space should be horizontal and not cramped. The mattress and
pillows you use can make a big difference. The habits of sleeping
partner also play a significant role (i.e., snoring).
-
Temperature/Climate. This
varies for person to person across the globe. But generally,
temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celcius) and below
54 degrees F (12 degrees C) will awaken people.
- Altitude.
Altitudes of 13,200 feet (4,000 meters) or more generally cause sleep
disruption. This is because of the diminished oxygen levels at higher
altitude levels.
- Light.
The sleeping area should not be brightly lit for the body to adjust to
its natural 24-hour period of wakefulness and sleepiness that is
regulated by an internal body clock.
- Sleep disorders.
Look out for signs and symptoms of insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy,
restless legs syndrome, etc. Sleeping disorders should be diagnosed and
treated immediately.
- Illness.
Most people complain several physical problems affecting their ability
to fall or stay asleep. This includes pain, backache, soreness or other
discomforts. Women often complain of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and
hormonal shifts especially during pregnancy and menopause intruding in
their sleep.
- Medications.
Certain medications can cause sleeping difficulties such as
decongestants, steroids, as well as some medications for asthma,
depression and high blood pressure.
After you have
identified them, you can now make the necessary changes in order for you
to have a better night’s sleep. |