IMPROVING YOUR SLEEP

  Causes of Insomnia: Uncontrollable Risk Factors T here are actually two different forms of insomnia--secondary (when insomnia occurs as a symptom or side effect of something else) and primary (when insomnia is a disorder in itself, not occurring as the side effect of another condition). Both are characterized by the inability to fall or stay asleep, but the causes insomnia are very individual. There are two main categories of risks that can contribute to insomnia--those that you can't change, and those that you can Uncontrollable Risk Factors These variables are out of your control. Although you can't do anything to change them, it's important to know what has been associated with the development of insomnia. Your age. As you get older, your sleep patterns change, resulting in more awakenings during the middle of the night and a harder time staying asleep. Your gender. Insomnia is more common among women, but experts aren't exactly sure wh...

  Risks of Insomnia In this 8-part series, you'll learn how to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep by using specific lifestyle changes. Please use this information in conjunction with the medical advice of your health care provider. Today, you'll learn about the importance of sleep. Difficulty falling (and staying) asleep is a common problem. Nightly sleep for the average American has dropped from 10 hours (before the invention of the light bulb) to 6.9 hours, with a third of adults now getting even less than that! In fact, nearly half of all adults admit they sleep less so they can work (or play) more, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). As an important source of fuel for the body, sleep is a valuable commodity. Surprisingly, what we hear about health usually revolves around exercise and nutrition; the truth about sleep--one of the most important factors to attaining vitality--is often left out of the mix. Research shows that a perpetual lack ...