Are you Losing Sleep over Sleep?

Do you find yourself awake at night because you are stressed about losing sleep? If so, you are caught in the vicious cycle of insomnia.

We all have moments of temporary sleeplessness, but if you have chronic insomnia, your lack of sleep builds up, and can cause more serious health issues. Studies show that the adrenaline that prevents sleep for insomniacs speeds up their metabolism meaning the body works overtime and therefore you are exhausted and less able to function during the day. 

Luckily, there are ways to break this cycle of sleeplessness. Good sleep practices and managing stress can help. Here are some tips:

• Make sure your bedroom is dark and at a comfortable cool temperature
• Only use your bed for sleeping
• Regulate your metabolism with consistent wake and sleep times
• Avoid bright lights at night
• Do relaxing activities before bedtime to help you get sleepy

Are you sure you have insomnia? 8% of patients diagnosed with chronic insomnia are actually suffering from a genetic problem called delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD). If you have DSPD, you have a significantly longer circadian rhythm than is typical, so adjusting your sleep habits accordingly will provide a good night's rest. 

Learn more about how to manage insomnia and more through this brief but fascinating TED-Ed video.