Sleep Problems

There are many different reasons why people experience sleep problems. Insomnia is the name given for when people do not have the ability to get sufficient sleep or sleep is disturbed and the person feels that they have not slept well throughout the night.

There may be some everyday reasons why people have sleep problems such as having a bedroom which is too hot or too cold, too much noise and differences in sleep patterns from a bed partner.

Trying to get to sleep after eating a heavy meal may be difficult as may drinking too much alcohol, tea or coffee before going to bed. People also have a tendency to wake early if they are hungry or their bed is uncomfortable. Illness or pain can also cause sleep problems and frequent cat napping during the day can also cause difficulties getting to sleep or waking too early.

The majority of these sleep problems have been addressed relatively simply, for example making sure the temperature of the bedroom is correct, taking regular exercise, not eating or drinking excessively before going to bed, replacing worn and uncomfortable mattresses and pillows.

Sleep problems may also be encountered if the person has emotional problems, depression, stress and anxiety which may need medical advice to establish the cause and deal with these in order to establish regular sleep patterns.

Sleeping tablets have been and continue to be prescribed by many doctors, however, they are not affective for everyone and have side effects. Many sleeping tablets can make the person feel tired and irritable the following day, people can also become easily addicted to them and as the tablets lose their effect within a short space of time, people need to take more to obtain the same effect.

There are also several different remedies available from drug stores and can often help in the short term but may make people feel sleepy the next day.
Valerian is a herbal alternative to sleeping tablets, however, this to can make the person feel drowsy the next day. People who are taking any other form of medication should consult their doctor before taking Valerian to help with their sleep problems.