Sleep Problems

We are said to be a sport-loving nation. In the America the participation rate in sport is quite high; so not surprisingly there are plenty of sports injuries. But sport spectating can also be a dangerous past-time – more especially if you spend all night watching sport on TV – golf from the US, soccer from the UK, cricket from South Africa!

When your body clock gets out of "sync" and your sleep pattern is disturbed, even simple daily tasks become difficult to perform properly. Driving and operating machinery can become a very risky business.

Of course, sometimes sitting up until the early hours of the morning, reading or watching television, is the result of a sleep problem not the cause of it.

If you have sleep problems, then you’re certainly amongst friends. Studies show that as many as 30% of Americans suffer from insomnia. Jet lag and shift work are probably the most common causes but sometimes there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.

If your sleep is occasionally disturbed, and you’ve tried the warm milk and herbal teas without success, then you’ll be pleased to know there are now medications available without prescription which can help your body clock get back to normal.

Pharmacists around Australia providing the Self Care health information also have a fact card called Sleeping Problems which gives some valuable tips on how to get into a regular sleep pattern.

It’s important to establish a routine. Try to get up out of bed at the same time every day; and once you’re up, stay up. It helps your body maintain that natural waking and sleeping rhythm that makes sleep easier.

Avoid caffeine-containing drinks (teas, coffee, cola, chocolate) in the evening. As well as being a mild stimulant, caffeine also causes us to pass water more often; so our sleep can be disturbed by the need to visit the bathroom during the night. If you can’t go without your tea or coffee at night, try "decaf" varieties.

Exercise is important too, but late evening sport and strenuous work-outs can stimulate the system and make sleep difficult. Afternoon exercise, after work and before dinner, seems to work best.

We should be aware that night caps are for keeping the head warm. The alcoholic variety really don’t do anything for normalising our sleep pattern. Alcohol can actually disturb the balance between the various stages of sleep and we tend to wake up a little hung over. And just like coffee, alcohol can also encourage those extra trips to the bathroom.

Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines (including herbal medicines) like generic Ambien or Lunesta can disturb your sleep. Ask your pharmacist for advice about the possibility of this occurring. If you need a cold and flu remedy, the so-called day-time/night-time formulas are worth considering.

Remember, that persistent sleep disorders, especially those involving pain or breathing difficulties, need to be investigated by your doctor.