Insomnia: Break the Cycle of Sleepless Nights
Posted by Dr. Raymond Hall on Tue, Aug 02, 2011 @ 03:40 PM
Tick tock, tick tock.
The house is silent, the streets are empty, and it feels like the whole town is asleep, except for you. Insomnia is a frustrating condition that affects 20 to 40 percent of the adult population each year. Insomnia is defined by the National Institute of Health as “difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, or having non-refreshing sleep for at least one month”. This definition does not sound pleasant, yet many people go undiagnosed for insomnia because they accept lack of quality sleep as part of their lifestyle. Quality sleep is important to everyone, and insomnia can change your functionality during the day as well as lead to more serious problems such as daytime sleepiness that causes auto accidents or lowered immune system defenses that can lead to actual sickness. Insomnia can be caused by intake of substances such as caffeine or alcohol before bed and/or psychological issues such as anxiety or stress. Often times this is a vicious circle as inadequate sleep creates even more anxiety and stress which perpetuates, making it even harder to overcome the insomnia. Below are some common symptoms defined by the National Institute of Health to help you determine if you or someone you know struggle with this condition.
Symptoms of Insomnia:
- Difficulty falling asleep on most nights
- Feeling tired during the day
- Not feeling refreshed when you wake up
- Waking up several times during sleep
- Obsessive thoughts about getting enough sleep
One increasingly common way to help insomnia is the use of prescription sleeping medications. Sleeping medications work to enhance the activity of the neurotransmitter in the brain, GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), which can induce drowsiness as well as decrease anxiety and help relax muscles. There are two main classes of sleeping pills, benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Some of the most common prescription sleeping medications include: Ambien, Lunesta, Halcion, as well as anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Valium.
When used on a regular basis, sleeping medications carry a risk of dependency, since the user may not be able to sleep without them. Side effects of sleeping pills can also be a concern.
Common Side Effects of Sleeping Pills:
- Burning or tingling in the hands, arms or feet
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness/drowsiness
- Dry mouth or throat
- Gas
- Headache
The question to ask yourself is whether sleeping pills are the right choice for you. There are many all natural ways to help with insomnia or sleeping troubles. With the natural methods you avoid having medication in your system for a long period of time, as well as the side effects and the risk of possible dependency. The best natural supplements for helping you fall asleep are remedies like melatonin, chamomile tea, Valerian, and Kava. Using a sleep journal and regulating your sleep environment are also ways to help insomnia. Make sure you avoid caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime. Also make sure the temperature and lighting in the room are cool and dark, the best for good sleep.
Finally, if you want to help your insomnia, consider the quality of your pillow, an essential item for restorative sleep. If you toss and turn frequently, your brain is telling your body that it is in an uncomfortable position, which keeps you from sleeping soundly. PILLO1, designed by a doctor, can help you achieve the perfect sleeping posture so that your brain can relax and rest. PILLO1’s soft yet supportive talalay latex surfaces will ease you into sleep. In fact, an Independent sleep study at St. John’s Sleep Disorder center in Santa Monica showed that people who sleep on PILLO1 went to sleep 18% faster than a conventional pillow. It also demonstrated that PILLO1 will get you into full PERSISTANT sleep 21 % faster, and that you enter into the dream (REM) state 19 percent quicker and that you stay in REM sleep by over 21 % longer. Pretty incredible right? How many other pillows have ever done polysomnographic analysis to study the importance and its true effect on sleep??!! Only ONE that we know of…
So if you or someone you know suffer from insomnia or trouble sleeping, direct them to www.pillo1.com for more information on the revolutionary PILLO1. We believe that everyone deserves the best quality sleep possible on the most scientifically advanced and eco-friendly pillow ever created. Stop the cycle of stress, sleeping pills and sleepless nights now with PILLO1, the eco-luxe therapeutic pillow designed by Dr. Raymond Hall, DC .
Sources: National Institute of Health, WebMD.com, SleepMed Inc.