(PHOENIX, AZ,) – We’ve all been there at some point. Lying in bed unable to fall asleep, waking up several times during the night, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep. If you’re lucky it doesn’t last long. But, for millions of Americans, including Valley Sleep Center President and breast cancer patient Lauri Leadley, insomnia can disrupt their lives.
“If you experience insomnia at least three nights per week for at least three months, it’s generally considered chronic,” Leadley says. “You need to take it seriously because quality sleep is critical to your health, work and relationships.”
Women and older people are more likely to suffer from insomnia. A woman’s menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can make sleep challenging. Parents are also likely to report problems. One National Sleep Foundation poll found nearly 75 percent of stay-at-home moms had symptoms of insomnia.
Another Foundation survey found people over 65 are more likely to wake up a lot during the night. A variety of medical issues including nasal allergies, back problems and sleep disorders can interfere with sleep and so can a lot of medications.
So, how do you know if you have insomnia? Symptoms include:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Waking up too early
- Fatigue and low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in mood like irritability and behavior like feeling impulsive.
- Difficulty at work, school or personal relationships
If you have trouble sleeping, try these suggestions:
- Start winding down 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
- Turn off electronics and try something relaxing like reading or listening to music.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Watch your caffeine and alcohol intake because they can cause you to wake up during the night.
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, cool and dark.
- If you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed, go to another room and try something relaxing like reading.
If you’ve tried some of the tips above and you’re still not sleeping well it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor or a sleep specialist.”
About Valley Sleep Center
Since 2002, Valley Sleep Center has provided Arizona with diagnostic sleep disorder testing in a home-like atmosphere, ensuring a comfortable, relaxing experience for patients. Their physicians are Board Certified Sleep Medicine Specialists and accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. They provide diagnostic testing for a multitude of sleep related disorders including insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, hypertension, sleepwalking, and pediatric sleep problems. www.valleysleepcenter.com
