Do You Have a Sleep Debt?

If you have trouble sleeping, you may be accumulating a debt that is difficult to pay back - a sleep debt. According to the National Sleep Foundation roughly 6 out of 10 people in the United States suffers from problems getting a restful night of sleep. There are many variables when it comes to lack of sleep but surprisingly sleep disorders have become common place today and the following are the top 3 front runners. Insomnia When you are unable to fall asleep, wake up frequently or have difficulty staying asleep you may be suffering from insomnia. You may only have one symptom or a combination of all three. Unfortunately this type of poor quality sleep is surprisingly common and studies have shown that women are more often affected by this than men. Lifestyle-related If you lead hectic lifestyle with work demands, an over-active social life and family responsibilities, this can add to your stress level. The additional stress will in all likelihood impact your sleep and this can very quickly become a cycle that is often difficult to break. Sleep apnea This is a chronic medical condition resulting in obstructed or blocked air passages. The inability to breath properly while sleeping can lead to loud snoring and the actual cessation of breathing, often a dozen times per night. This not only leads to sleep deprivation but also branches into the potential of additional serious health concerns. With the increase of sleep-related disorders in society today, the usage of sleep aid or prescription sleeping pills is on the rise. However using these medications carry their own risks: a drugged feeling causing next day drowsiness and difficulty with concentration. Then there is the psychological dependency of being unable to sleep without aid, as well as the physical side effects including anxiety, memory problems, and potential drug interactions.