The Science of Sleep

We all know what it’s like to feel exhausted after a long day, but what actually happens to our bodies when we sleep? Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, yet most of us don’t get enough. In this article, we’ll explore the science of sleep and some of the ways you can get a better night’s rest.

How sleep works

How sleep works is somewhat of a mystery, but scientists do know that it’s important for our physical and mental health. Sleep seems to be involved in the healing process, and people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to get sick. Sleep is also important for learning and memory.

During sleep, our brains consolidate memories from the day and store them for long-term storage. This is why you may find it difficult to remember things if you don’t get a good night’s sleep.

There are two types of sleep: REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM (non-rapid eye movement). Most people cycle through both types of sleep several times during the night.

REM sleep is when we dream. Dreams tend to be bizarre and meaningless, but they may also be based on real events or things that we’re worried about. Scientists believe that dreams help us process emotions and sort through problems.

Non-REM sleep is when we do most of our physical resting and healing. Our heartbeat and breathing slow down, and our muscles relax. Non-REM sleep is divided into three stages: light sleep, deep sleep, and delta sleep.

The benefits of sleep

Sleep is critical for a person’s physical and mental health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep helps to:

-Restore energy levels
-Reduce stress
-Improve mood
-Support immunity
-Repair tissue
-Balance hormones

The Problem of Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep for a sufficient length of time. It can cause serious problems in every area of a person’s life. Insomnia can lead to irritability, fatigue, and a decrease in productivity. It can also cause depression and anxiety.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a condition in which a person has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Insomnia can be occasional or it can be chronic (long-term). People with chronic insomnia may have difficulty sleeping for a month or more. Insomnia can cause problems during the day, such as tiredness, a lack of energy, irritability, andpoor concentration.

There are two types of insomnia: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia is not caused by another health condition (such as a cold or anxiety). Secondary insomnia is caused by another health condition (such as depression, pain, or sleep apnea).

Causes of insomnia

There are many possible causes of insomnia. Some people may have underlying medical conditions that cause sleeplessness, while others may have poor sleep habits. Insomnia can also be a side effect of certain medications.

Common causes of insomnia include stress, anxiety,depression, and other mental health problems. Poor sleep habits, such as drinking caffeine before bed or working late into the night, can also lead to sleeplessness.

Some medical conditions that can cause insomnia include asthma, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and thyroid problems. Menopause and pregnancy can also disrupt a woman’s sleeping patterns. In some cases, no underlying cause can be found for insomnia.

The effects of insomnia

Insomnia is a condition in which people have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). People with acute insomnia often have difficulty sleeping because of another problem, such as stress at work or home, noise pollution, an uncomfortable environment, and so on. Chronic insomnia is often caused by psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. It can also be caused by physical factors, such as pain, sleep apnea, and medications. Insomnia can lead to a number of problems, including fatigue, irritability, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrate.

Solutions for Insomnia

Sleep hygiene

Sleep hygiene is a variety of different practices that are necessary to have good nighttime sleep quality and full daytime alertness. It can be used as a natural insomnia treatment. The goal of sleep hygiene is to establish regular patterns of sleep and wakefulness.

There are a few different things you can do to improve your sleep hygiene:

-Set a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help train your body to fall asleep andwake up at certain times.

-Create a bedtime routine: Programs like CBT-I coach can help you develop one. This might involve taking a hot bath, reading for 20 minutes, or writing in a journal before bed. The point is to do calming activities that will make it easier for you to fall asleep when you get in bed.

-Create an optimal sleeping environment: This means keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, cool, and free of electronics like TVs and phones. If you live with others, make sure they know not to disturb you when you’re trying to sleep. Consider using blackout curtains or an eye mask if outside light is disturbingly bright. Use earplugs or white noise if outside noise is bothersome. Make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable so you can fully relax.

• limit caffeine and alcohol intake: Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you from falling asleep — especially if consumed close to bedtime. Alcohol may make you feel drowsy at first, but it can actually disrupt your sleep later in the night as it starts to wear off
  Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
  
  Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an evidence-based approach that can help you identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that keep you awake. CBT-I can be delivered in a group or individual format, and it usually consists of four to eight weekly sessions. insomnia can be a debilitating condition that causes major disruptions to your sleep patterns. But there are solutions available that can help you get the rest you need. One of those solutions is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which is an evidence-based approach that can make a significant difference in your sleep quality.

CBT-I typically consists of four to eight weekly sessions, during which you will learn about the thoughts and behaviors that keep you awake. You will also learn new strategies for falling asleep and staying asleep. CBT-I can be delivered in a group or individual format, and it is usually covered by insurance plans.

Medications for insomnia

There are many different types of medications that can be used to treat insomnia. Some of these medications can be purchased over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor.

OTC options for insomnia include:
-Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom)
-Melatonin supplements

Prescription medications for insomnia include:
-Sedatives such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines (also called “Z drugs”)
-Antidepressants such as trazodone
-Anti-anxiety medications such as buspirone
-Orexin receptor antagonists such as suvorexant (Belsomra)

When to Seek Help for Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can make it difficult for you to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. If you have insomnia, you may wake up feeling tired. You may have trouble concentrating during the day. Insomnia can be either short term or long term. It can be caused by another health condition, by medications, by changes in your sleep habits, or by stress.

When to see a doctor

If you have insomnia, you may feel restless, irritable, anxious, and unable to concentrate during the day. You may also feel tired all day and have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night despite having the opportunity to do so. Insomnia can take a toll on your energy, mood, overall health, and quality of life.

While it’s normal to experience occasional sleepless nights, insomnia is usually a problem if it occurs at least three nights per week for more than three months. If that’s the case for you, make an appointment to see your doctor. He or she can help you determine if another medical condition may be causing your sleep problem or if medications you take could be interfering with sleep.

When to seek professional help

If you have trouble sleeping on a regular basis and it’s starting to affect your life, it might be time to seek professional help. There are a number of things you can do to ease the symptoms of insomnia and get better sleep, but if those don’t work, it might be time to talk to a doctor or other sleep specialist.

There are a few different types of sleep specialists, and the one you see will depend on your specific needs. A sleep doctor is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. A sleep psychologist is someone who specializes in the psychological aspects of sleep and can help you identify and change any behaviors that might be keeping you from getting a good night’s rest.

If you’re not sure whether or not you need to see a sleep specialist, take our online Insomnia Quiz. It will ask you about your symptoms and how they’re affecting your life, then give you an idea of whether or not professional help would be beneficial.