What Causes Sleep Disorders?
Many things can affect sleep, including stress, depression, shift-work, pain, and a poor sleeping environment. Sleep can be adversely affected by caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, decongestants, and other medications. Physical problems can also impair breathing during sleep. How much sleep do you need? You’ve gotten enough sleep if you feel rested when you wake. The average adult needs about 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep patterns usually change with age. Older people often sleep less at night, but take naps during the day. How are sleep disorders treated? Underlying health problems need to be treated, if present. Medications can be used to establish more normal sleep patterns. Some of these medications may have significant side effects, and some should not be taken for a long time. Making a few changes in their sleep habits helps. What can you do? • Establish a regular sleep pattern. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, including weekends and holidays. This enables your body
