How often do you get a good night’s sleep?
An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders. That’s 1 in 3 people! Are you one of them?
We want to help you finally get some rest. We’ll help you understand different sleep disorders and how they can impact your life. We also offer some tips for getting a good night’s sleep.
In honor of Sleep Awareness Week 2022, here’s an overview of common sleep disorders. Keep reading to learn more about what might be keeping you up at night.
Sleep Awareness Week 2022
Sleep Awareness Week is an annual event that takes place in March. It educates people about the importance of sleep and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
When Is Sleep Awareness Week?
Sleep Awareness Week is a time when people all over the world focus on getting a good night’s sleep. It usually falls on Daylight Savings Time in March.
During SAW, people learn about the importance of sleep and how to get a better night’s rest. Schools and businesses hold events and workshops to educate and spread awareness. They may cover topics like sleep hygiene and how to make your bedroom more conducive to rest.
There are often specials on bedding products designed to improve your sleep experience.
What Is the History of Sleep Awareness Week?
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) founded Sleep Awareness Week in 2001. NSF partners with experts in sleep medicine to develop a new theme for Sleep Awareness Week. This year’s theme is sleep disorders.
What Are the Most Common Sleep Disorders and Their Symptoms
There are many different sleep disorders, and each one has its own set of symptoms. The most common sleep disorders are insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a condition where someone has trouble falling or staying asleep. Everyone experiences insomnia in a different way.
For some people, stress or anxiety causes insomnia. Others may have difficulty sleeping due to a health condition. Insomnia can also be situational, like when you’re jet-lagged or switch to a new sleep schedule.
Many people have occasional episodes of insomnia and don’t need treatment. But, if you’re having trouble sleeping, it can impact your daily life in several ways.
Insomnia causes tiredness and difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks. You may find yourself irritable and moody. If untreated, chronic insomnia can even lead to depression or anxiety.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder. It occurs when breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep.
These pauses in breathing can last for a few seconds to a minute or more. They may occur 30 times or more an hour.
Each time you stop breathing, the brain wakes up a little to restart breathing. As a result, you don’t get deep, restful sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that affects the nervous system. It causes an irresistible urge to move the legs. People with RLS often describe it as a creepy, crawly feeling in their legs that is relieved by movement.
The symptoms can be worse at night when a person is trying to sleep. RLS can also cause difficulty sleeping and daytime fatigue.
What Are the Causes of Sleep Deprivation and Its Effects on the Body
The causes of sleep deprivation vary in any given individual. Some common reasons include nutrition, stress, anxiety, depression, work schedules, and medical conditions.
When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies are less able to function. We may feel tired, unable to concentrate or focus, and be more irritable or moody than usual.
That takes a heavy toll on us over time. Lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure or heart disease. It can also take a toll on our mental health, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety.
What Are Some Tips for Avoiding Common Sleep Traps That Keep You up at Night
A handful of changes in your routine can make a difference in how well you sleep. Here are a few tips for avoiding sleep traps that keep you up at night.
Establish a regular bedtime routine and stick to it as closely as possible. This will help your body get into a rhythm and make it easier to fall asleep.
Avoid watching TV or working on the computer in the hours leading up to bedtime. The bright light from these screens can inhibit the production of melatonin. Melatonin is a sleep hormone that is essential for getting good quality sleep.
Make sure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool. A room that’s too bright or noisy can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Avoid drinking caffeine, alcohol, or eating large meals close to bedtime. Both of these can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and get a good night’s sleep.
If you establish these into your regular routine, it should help. If not, then consider talking to your doctor.
What to Do if You Can’t Fall Asleep or Keep Waking up During the Night
If you find that your mind is racing at night, count backward from a large number. This will help to occupy your conscious mind and distract you from thinking about why you can’t sleep. It may also help to relax your mind and make it easier for you to drift off to sleep.
Try using the following exercise to calm your restless thoughts. As you lie in your bed, close your eyes and take three deep breaths.
Then imagine that you are standing before a blackboard or whiteboard. Write each number on the board as you count, erase it, then write the next number.
Smell the dry erase marker or the chalk. Notice how your chalk or marker feels as it makes its mark upon the board. Stay focused and enjoy the sensation of going deeper and deeper every time you erase.
We promise it’s way more potent than counting sheep.
Get Cozy and Sleep Better
Do any of the symptoms mentioned above sound like you? It can be tough to get enough sleep during the week, especially when you have a busy lifestyle.
During Sleep Awareness Week 2022, let’s all commit to getting a good night’s sleep. And if you’re thinking about upgrading your bedding, consider our organic, sustainable options!
