Problems With Sleeping

Possible Symptoms:

• difficulty getting to sleep even though you are tired
• difficulty staying asleep
• falling asleep during the day
• trouble concentrating
• trouble with memory
• inability to make decisions or do your job
• increased injuries or accidents (i.e. car accidents)

Summary:

There are many different sleep problems, and problems with sleep can be part of many different medical and mental health conditions. The most common sleep problem is insomnia. This may be described as a problem getting to sleep, or a problem with staying asleep. How much sleep a person needs is variable. Most adults sleep about 7 to 8 hours each night. Many people seem well with much less sleep. Some need more to feel well. The total number of hours of sleep one gets is less important than how one feels after sleeping. A lack of daytime tiredness and a sense of refreshment after sleep are signs of adequate sleep. Sleep patterns change with age. Those over 60 often note they sleep less and that their sleep is more interrupted. This is normal. A similar pattern may be seen in babies. Treatment is not necessary as long as the person feels well. Reasurrance is all that is necessary in most cases. A sleep problem may lead to mental or physical problems as outlined in the possible symptoms above.

Use the following questions to help you determine if you have a sleep problem and whether you should be seeking professional advice.

Questions

Do you or have you...

Snore loudly or have been told that you stop breathing while you sleep?

or

Had periods of sleep that occur in the day even though you try to stay awake?

or

Had pain, soreness of your legs while trying to get to sleep or had twitching muscle movements of your legs?