Headaches can trigger insomia

March 7th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Did you know that headaches can trigger insomnia?

Dr. Michael J. Breus: Headaches and Insomnia Going Hand in Hand reports:

“It’s no surprise that one of the ways to treat a headache is to lie down and take a nap (assuming, of course, you have the luxury of napping in the middle of your day). But napping can also conflict with your nighttime sleep if it’s not planned carefully. It also appears to incite a vicious cycle: 59 percent of those in the study with tension-type headaches complained of sleep problems as a trigger of those headaches.”

What’s the solution? SleepTracks may be able to help.


Sleep apnea solution provides restful sleep

January 26th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Are you affected by sleep apnea? Many people just don’t realize that they have this disorder. It’s something to consider if you wake up tired each morning, and drag yourself through the day.

A sleep clinic may be the solution for you if you feel that something is stopping you from getting a good night’s sleep.

Sleep clinics reveal disorders, improve quality of life | newarkadvocate.com | The Newark Advocate reports:

“Sleep apnea can worsen as people age or become overweight, so the number of patients needing help is likely to increase in the future. The LMH sleep clinic evaluates about 400 patients per year, about half of which suffer from sleep apnea.

Pacht said the CPAP machine is helpful for the majority of his patients, and the percentage is increasing because of more targeted diagnosis.

‘I really emphasize the CPAP for the patients who have severe sleep apnea as they are the ones who really need and benefit from it,’ Pacht said. ‘Some people couldn’t sleep without it.’”

Check with your local hospital to find the nearest sleep clinic in your area.


What are common insomnia causes?

August 5th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Everyone experiences insomnia at times, and occasionally you know the causes of your insomnia very well: you’re stressed, going through a life change, or are ill.

Common causes of insomnia

One of the most common insomnia causes is stress or anxiety, which keeps a person’s mind racing, making them unable to fall asleep.

Primary insomnia is described as sleeplessness that cannot be traced to an environmental or medical condition. Secondary insomnia means that a person is having trouble sleeping due to an underlying cause, which may be treatable.

Circadian sleep disorders occur when something messes up a person’s internal clock, which regulates their normal sleep pattern. Traveling through time zones where the rising and setting of the sun no longer matches the times a person is used to, often referred to as jet lag. Another of the insomnia causes can be those who alternate shift work and have trouble adjusting to a new sleep pattern.

Parasomnia, another of the insomnia causes can include sleep walking, violent nightmares and behavior disorders in which a person physically responds to action occurring in their dreams. While these disorders can be disruptive to a person’s ability to sleep, they can be treated by a sleep specialist or through medical treatment. Clinophobia, often attributed to stress or a physical ailment, can also be treated by eliminating the underlying cause of the stress or the pain.

Beware of stimulants

Since people drink caffeine in order to wake up in the morning, it only makes sense that caffeine is another of the insomnia causes that can easily be avoided. Nicotine, sugar and some medications can have a stimulating affect causing the inability to fall asleep. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, which causes stomach acid to flow into the throat waking a person up frequently, is also considered one of the insomnia causes that can be eliminated through medical intervention.

Dehydration has also been known to rob a person of sleep as it causes stimulants and hormones to build up in the blood causing sleeplessness. Drinking a glass or two of water can generally cause relief in an hour or two. Sleep hygiene is another of the insomnia causes that can readily be cured. Sleep hygiene is defined as having an established sleep routine such as going to bed at the same time every night. Sleeping in the bedroom only and keeping the room as dark as possible.

Having an established bedtime routine and try to avoid stressful situations and demanding physical activity prior to going to bed. Limit stimulants to an hour before your bedtime, unless directed by your doctor and keep your bedroom as peaceful and stress free as possible.

If the causes of your current insomnia aren’t evident, see your doctor.


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