Maybe you are among the 1 in 6 people who suffer from an undiagnosed sleep disorder.

On average, adults require about 7-8 hours of sleep per day, but this may differ from person to person. Sleep disorders reduce the quality of sleep, rendering you unable to benefit from its numerous health benefits: healthy heart, lower stress levels, reducing inflammations, better memory and concentration, weight control, better mood, muscle repair and lower risk of cancer.

Sleep deprivation may be manifesting itself through the following symptoms:
– Feeling tired and sleepy during the day
– Low performance at work and requiring caffeine to keep going
– Irritability
– Slow reactions
– Difficulties with memory and concentration
– Frequent infections
– Blurred vision
– Depression
– Headaches

The most common forms of sleep disorders are:

1. Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common sleep problem, manifesting itself at 1 in 3 people throughout their life. Insomnia can be related to a number of causes: stress, problems with the sleeping environment, your partner’s snoring, poor sleep hygiene, emotional issues or substances detrimental to your sleep (nicotine, caffeine different medication). There are also instances when insomnia is an indicator of a more serious medical condition.

Insomnia can be easily overcome by a change in lifestyle by using certain tips and tricks, relaxation techniques or even with the help of certain foods good for a good night’s sleep.

2. Snoring

Snoring means insomnia for your partner and low sleep quality for you, so it’s double trouble! Most people don’t even know they are snoring or sometimes they don’t want to admit it. But, by following a few tips they could overcome this problem, or at least reduce it.

3. Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a more serious condition manifesting itself through violent snoring, chocking and interruptions in breathing during sleep. About 4 to 9 % of men suffer from sleep apnea, most of which are over 40 years old. This condition can be treated with the help of various medical treatments.

4. Restless Legs Syndrome

About 10% of Americans suffer from restless legs syndrome. This sleep disorder manifests itself through an uncomfortable sensation in the legs and sometimes arms giving the urging need to move them.
Common causes of restless legs syndrome include: anemia, pregnancy, rheumatism, caffeine, arthritis, pinched nerve or, in some cases, genetic inheritance.

5. Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking tends to be inherited. Causes for adults may include medication side effects, mental disorders or seizure disorders.

6. Night sweats

Night sweats are usually cold sweats, manifesting by excessive sweating during sleep. Common causes include spicy foods or high temperatures in the environment, menopause, emotional problems, nightmares, sleep walking, stress, sleep apnea and virus infections.

7. Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a serious condition manifesting itself in excessive daytime sleepiness, suddenly falling asleep, sudden loss of muscle function, night paralysis, frequent awakenings during sleep or hallucinations.

“This is all very interesting… but I still can’t sleep!”

Well, the first step would be turning off your computer and going to bed, not before taking a look at these articles which you may find helpful in your current predicament:
1. Foods that help you sleep
2. 10 Tips that help you fight insomnia
3. 10 common dreams and their meaning
4. Stop snoring – solutions to try out

If you have a more serious condition, the best thing to do would be to consult a doctor. Sleep tight!