Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

Have you always had this feeling of unexplainable fatigue after waking up from a night’s sleep? You might believe you had decent hours of sleep, and yet, you feel so sluggish to face today’s tasks waiting for you. In fact, you feel sleepy during the day, and become grouchy at some points. Is it just another mood swing? Hormonal? Are you just tired?

I have a friend who feels so tired even during the weekend, even if he had hours of sleep that are within the recommended daily hours a person needs. This has been really mind-boggling, until, his live-in partner sarcastically remarked that she is also having trouble getting sleep – from all that snoring my friend does.

That one remark has made a big difference. My curiosity had made me search for answers and clues to his condition, which is medically known as – Sleep Apnea.

Is snoring something to laugh about? Perhaps, it’s funny to hear someone snoring out loud. But, for the person doing it, it’s something to be taken seriously. Sleep apnea is a common problem that literally stops your breathing, or makes your breathing shallow while you sleep. This is why we hear a loud snort or choking sound when one resumes breathing normally.

Most often, people just ignore it as a case of fatigue and some even considered it as something normal. Those who are overweight are often suffering from loud snoring, when the air passage way is blocked during sleep. But, anyone can be affected with sleep apnea.

The funny thing is, sleep apnea can also happen – without the sound. This is far more dangerous because the area of your brain that controls the way you breathe doesn’t send out the right breathing signals to your muscles. It can be fatal, especially if no one is there to nudge you from your sleep. Maybe, you have heard of someone dying from their sleep.

There are natural ways that can help you achieve quality sleep, without the aid of sleeping pills. You can start having a healthy lifestyle, diet, and habit to help your body fight off those nights of tossing and turning in bed. Quality sleep is also as important as the quantity of sleep. Make sure your bedroom is an inviting haven to lull you into the sweetest of dreams.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart stroke, irregular heart beats, heart burns, and obesity. Since you lack quality sleep, you are also prone to work-related and driving accidents.

So, if you are having troubles getting a good night sleep, why not talk to your doctor about it? This video might give you that boost you need:

You may also get in touch with the American Sleep Apnea Association to get help in reducing your risk from injury, disability, and even death from sleep apnea.

Sweet Dreams…