You may be wondering why a whole day is dedicated to sleep – something many people take for granted, something that comes naturally and easy for most. But in reality, there are so many people struggling with the effects of an unhealthy sleep pattern and sleep disorders.
Why is World Sleep Day important?
Celebrated since 2008, the goal behind World Sleep Day is to celebrate the benefits of a good sleep pattern. And not only are we celebrating today, but we are also creating awareness around important issues related to sleep.
The holiday is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of World Sleep Society. It is the organization’s goal to “lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through prevention and management of sleep disorders”.
Sleep issues can affect our daily lives in many different ways – from the medicine we take, how we pay attention at work or school and even the way we drive.
What are sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders are medical conditions that affect the quality and duration of your sleep. And the sleep deprivation these disorders cause can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life and overall health.
There are over 100 sleep disorders that have been recognized by the medical community, but they are all categorised into four different types:
- Problems falling asleep and staying asleep
- Unusual behaviors during sleep
- Problems staying awake
- Problems keeping a regular sleep-wake schedule
Examples of the most common sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia
- Snoring/Sleep Apnea
- Parasomnias
- Sleep Paralysis
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Periodic limb movements of sleep
- Circadian disorders
- Narcolepsy
What causes sleep disorders?
There are many different possible causes for sleep disorders, including:
- Genetic predisposition
- Lifestyle factors such as shift in work, frequent travel, or irregular schedules
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dietary factors (caffeine/alcohol)
- Weight issues
- Medical conditions and certain medications
- Aging
Tips on how to better your sleep pattern
The key to getting started on a healthy sleep pattern is to keep trying! See it as a form of self-care – without it, you won’t be able to function properly.
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene is simply the process of allowing the brain and body to quiet down and prepare for a good night’s rest. So try to incorporate these healthy habits and relaxation tips into your daily life and you should feel different in no time:
- Stick to a fixed bedtime and wake time
- Exercise
- Take it easy with the caffeine
- Start winding down atleast 30 minutes before bedtime (read, soft music, stretch)
- Dim the lights and put all electronics away
- Meditate or just focus on your breath
Check your mattress
If the sleep hygiene routine isn’t working out for you maybe it’s time to check your mattress. Oftentimes people struggle with sleep problems simply because of a poor support structure.
Time to call the professionals
For those who have tried everything they can and still struggle with sleep issues – perhaps it’s time to speak to a sleep professional. And if they recommend a sleep test, a diagnosis can be made which will hopefully mean that the journey to a healthy sleep schedule can finally begin.