The Sleeping Like a Baby Lie - Dealing With Insomnia in Children

Though we are used to adults suffering from sleeping disorders on a frequent basis, insomnia in children is not rare or at all less severe. If your child wakes up several times during the night, or he or she seems pale and still tired in the morning, you may have to look into the problem a little further and determine if he or she suffers from a sleeping disorder. Unlike with adults, where the causes are sometimes more difficult to identify, insomnia in children usually has very obvious triggers. An upset tummy, a cold, asthma, stress, fear of darkness or nightmares are among the most common issues associated with insomnia in children.

As unlikely as it may seem, stress also affects the way young children sleep. Problems with family, friends or school are all possible causes that could make a child uneasy or worried at bedtime. Once possible physiological causes are excluded, you'll have to take into consideration the more profound issues that may affect him or her. Thus, pay more attention to what your child frequently includes in his or her conversations. It can give you insight into what is bothering him or her enough to cause night wakings and bad dreams. Talking and offering unconditional love and support during such times is essential in order to make sure that the condition does not worsen.

Having a regular bedtime helps prevent the risk of insomnia in children. It creates a healthy sleeping pattern that allows the mind to trigger sleep after a certain hour. Be careful what you include as part of your child's bedtime routine. A sleeping problem could arise if your child is used to falling asleep to a certain sound, such as a radio or tape that is later turned off. If he or she wakes up during the night, there will be no soothing sound in the room, and the child may not know how to fall asleep on his or her own. Waking up at night and unconsciously recognizing our surroundings is very common, and if there is something strange in the pattern we have to adjust it in order to be able to sleep again.

Another tactic used to prevent insomnia in children is to monitor their meals and eliminate all possible nervous stimulants from dinner. Chocolate, drinks containing caffeine, or other irritating foods should be avoided, especially in the evening hours. Light meals are good for both children and adults alike. Warm milk with honey, tea and fresh fruit juice also may aid in relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep in the first place. However, such drinks should be served at least two hours before going to bed to avoid having the child wake up to urinate. With every break in the sleep cycle there may be a difficulty of falling back asleep, so it is better to avoid waking at night altogether if possible.

Sleep Anxiety Is Constantly Worrying About Not Being Able to Sleep

Sleep anxiety disorder can be devastating and debilitating for those who are plagued by this growing sleep disorder. Anxiety and insomnia tend to go hand in hand. A lot of anxiety is caused simply be being unable to sleep. Tossing and turning and looking at the clock further adds to the frustration. Knowing that you will not feel rested when you wake up, is plenty of fuel for sleep anxiety.

Lack of sleep or sleep deprivation can cause a person to lose their ability to focus, which can affect their daily routine. Working, driving, taking care of children and household chores can be hard to do when you're sleep deprived, causing even more anxiety and thus insomnia. Understanding the details of insomnia will certainly help us to start to correct the problem which is spreading globally.

Recent studies indicate that our young people are suffering from anxiety and insomnia too. Research also shows that this is usually inherited from a parent.

Another interesting link found among young chronic insomnia victims, was the prevalence of depression. Whether we have sleep anxiety from the stress of not being able to sleep, or from other causes, anxiety insomnia can easily become the end result.

Some sleep research experts believe that more focus should be placed on sleeping, ranking it as one of three major factors for maintaining good health, the other two factors being diet and exercise. Some sleep disorders can occur due to poor bedtime habits that may gradually lead to sleep anxiety and insomnia. Generally speaking, many sleep experts state that an individual requires six to eight hours of sleep per night. However, determining the optimal amount of time for sleep is not always easy to do.

There can be many causes for poor sleep or insomnia, including certain drugs, especially those in the antidepressant category. As stated earlier, stress and depression can also contribute to lack of sleep. In fact, doctors believe that emotional disorders of stress, anxiety and depression account for more than half of all insomnia cases. Other sleep disorders and other health issues have been determined to cause sleep problems, such as sleep apnea, allergies and asthma.

There are also the obvious roadblocks to getting a good night's sleep, such as too much caffeine or sugar, as well as the inability to relax before retiring for the night. Addressing these issues can help calm both sleep anxiety and insomnia for the occasional sufferer.

Sleep Disorders and Senior Citizens

Many senior citizens commonly suffer from age related sleep disorders. Patients who snore heavily and are usually drowsy even after hours of sleep may be suffering from sleep apnea, which is a condition that occurs when the airway is restricted and the sleeper actually stops breathing several times per night, thus preventing them from experiencing restorative sleep. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed at a sleep clinic and usually requires a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine to help the patient breathe properly at night. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to heart failure over time; patients who receive treatment often report feeling much more alert and well rested. In some severe cases of sleep disorders, patients may also have heart issues that might require a pacemaker or other treatment to regulate heart rhythm.

Another common problem for senior citizens is insomnia. Not being able to fall asleep or waking up several times per night can be caused by many different factors, including: pain related health issues, such as arthritis or restless leg syndrome; general anxiety and stress; and side effects from medications. Another factor to consider is that as people age, their internal clock changes and "advanced sleep phase syndrome" sets in. This means that the body wants to go to sleep earlier and wake up earlier, but people stick to their routine and may stay up too late at night.

There are many ways to help improve sleep and bedtime habits, including:

1. Set a routine: go to bed and get up at the same time every day and try to have meals at consistent times

2. Expose yourself to daylight, which helps regulate the sleep/wake cycle

3. Exercise regularly, but not at a time too close to bedtime

4. Avoid alcohol or sugary snacks late in the evening

5. Try to turn off the TV or computer before bed and instead read or do some other quiet activity

6. Make sure that your mattress and pillow are in good condition

7. Wear comfortable clothes and make sure the room is at a temperature that isn't too hot or cold; some sleepers benefit from blackout shades, white noise, or ear plugs.

Sleep is a vital part of overall health and long term sleep deprivation can cause decreased mental functioning, stress, and can also negatively affect the immune system. Caregivers can help their patients achieve maximum sleep benefits.

Current Health Articles on the Importance of Good Sleep

Sleep is something as important as food for our systems. Current health articles have put a lot of emphasis on the care of proper sleep right from the time the baby is born through their growing years to the teens and the adult sleep.

We all have experienced the problems when a new born comes home and creates a situation where all the members of the family become members of the walking dead. Of course, this is a temporary process; however, even the slightest difference in your sleep can take a toll on your health.

The question at this stage is what you can do to get to sleep and to inculcate good habits in the sleep patterns of your children as well. Current health articles give us some advice on how much sleep is really required.

To start with, there are no fixed hours required by children to sleep. However, it is obvious that when a child does not get proper sleep, he will be hyper and disagreeable and you will notice a difference in his behavior as well. This kind of problem can go to the extent that he will be having problems going to sleep.

However, current health articles mention that there are some patterns which need to be taken into consideration in regards to the age of a child. Normally children between the ages of 2 and 12 should sleep for approximately 10 to 12 hours in general. It is very important to inculcate a routine for the bedtime. A time table that teaches a child to go to sleep at certain time and wake up will be very helpful in giving your child a very healthy lifestyle.

In order to make this process an easy one, you can start by giving your child a warm bath, or by telling him a bedtime story 15 minutes before the bed time to prepare him and make him relax. Current health articles mention that there are many parents that think it is a good idea that your child is very tired, and that this will help him sleep, however this sometimes becomes a problem and it does not allow your child to relax and sleep.

Once your child starts going to school and begins to understand the basics of life and how to keep a healthy lifestyle, it becomes more important for the parents to give them some quality time preferable before they go to sleep. This will help them become more confident about themselves through the feeling of comfort and security that you are providing them.

Current health articles mention that new research on how to treat your child and how to prepare him for life is a very big task that a parent needs to understand properly. Their security and comfort needs to be taken care of, however, at the same time, they need to be loved and cared for physically and emotionally thus giving them the right platform in life.

Chronic Sleep Disorders

If you have been having trouble falling asleep, or you find that the sleep you receive is simply not of a high enough quality to get you through your entire day feeling rested, you may have fallen victim to a chronic sleep disorder. When it comes to sleep, your body needs plenty of of it, so a chronic sleep disorder, though simple enough in and of itself, is something that can be quite pervasive when it comes to attacking your life.

If you suspect that you might have a chronic sleep disorder, there are a few symptoms that you should be sure to look out for. While the lack of a good night's sleep is definitely one of the first signs that you will notice, it is also important to think about what may or may not have caused this situation. Issues with stress that cause sleep deprivation are not considered chronic sleep disorders, nor are problems related to health issues. To be diagnosed with a sleep disorder, you will want to keep an eye out for how you feel during the day as well.

Do you fall asleep easily during the day, even in situations where it would be unwise or even dangerous to do so? Some people who are afflicted with chronic sleep disorders will fall asleep in meetings or even while they are driving. Similarly, if you find yourself not only resorting to caffeine to stay awake, but becoming addicted to it, you may have a problem on your hands. Many physicians will also tell you that a marked change in mood can indicated the presence of a chronic sleep disorder. Are you often fatigued, both physically and mentally? Are your reaction times slower and do you find yourself easily distracted or forgetfully? You may also notice violent emotional outbursts and a general degradation of your appearance.

Once you suspect that you have a chronic sleep disorder, it's time to take a look at it and figure out exactly what is going on. You may need to go to a doctor to get to the bottom of it, but if you feel that you want to try a few things before going the medical professional route, take a look at your diet. Are you eating carbohydrates before bed? This can contribute a great deal to problems with your sleep cycle. Because your body burns carbohydrates for energy, you'll find yourself alert and bouncing long after you wish you were dreaming. Similarly, have you been drinking before bed? While it is true that alcohol can help you get to sleep, there is a good chance that you will sleep fitfully throughout the night. Take a look at what you are doing before bed and think about how it is affecting your sleep.

When you are thinking about chronic sleep disorders, you should always keep in mind that there is a solution. While the solution will differ from person to person, with a little bit of searching, there is a great chance that you will find yours. Head to chronic sleep disorders to see how you can get started with this plan today!

Sleep in Toddlers - What You Need to Know

If you have a toddler, then chances are you have had difficulty convincing him or her to go to bed. The most important thing to remember is that in order to go to bed easily, children need a pre-established and predictable routine. If your child is wound up because of vigorous play, most likely you'll never convince her to go to bed. Also, ordering her to do so will be futile, so if you do not have a nighttime routine, consider these easy tips to make your toddler's bedtime much easier.

Every night, you should have a wind-down routine. A good wind-down routine consists of a nighttime bath, brushing teeth, and a bedtime story. These activities serve to calm your child down, and provide time for you to enjoy each other. Some parents incorporate into the bedtime routine a foot massage right after the bath. That tends to soothe the child, relax her and make the transition to bedtime easier.

Fear of the dark and nightmares are common for toddlers, so place a night light in your toddler's room. Also, avoid watching television before bedtime--it is associated with sleep disturbances. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than 2 years of age watch no television at all, and those over the age of 2 watch no more than 1-2 hours of television daily. For older children, the recommended 1-2 hours of "television time" includes video games and computer time.

If your child takes any medications, they might interfere with sleep. If you have concerns about your toddler's persistent sleep problems, talk to you health care provider.

Sleep Disorders and Insomnia

There are over 100 sleep disorders that have been identified and insomnia is definitely one of the most common problems.

Episodes of insomnia can be short- or long-term (chronic) and involve difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep as well as awakening very early. Some reasons for suffering with insomnia include: anxiety, stress, depression, caffeine, alcohol, drugs and medications, illness, napping during the day, and surrounding influences (too much noise or light).

Some disorders of insomnia are:

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  Insomnia due to a dependence or cessation of stimulants
  
  


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  Delayed sleep phase syndrome (the individual believes s/he sleeps better from morning to mid-afternoon
  
  


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  Insomnia due to ceasing or building tolerance to sleep medications, known as Hypnotic dependent sleep disorder and
  
  


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  Pyschophysiological insomnia, known as learned insomnia
  
  

The treatment for insomnia depends on uncovering the cause. First the patient must work on the sleeping environment, ensuring minimal noise, minimal light, reducing caffeine, and reducing stimulants. If the problem of insomnia persists, talk to your doctor, especially if you are considering taking over-the-counter sleeping medications. Your doctor will guide you in the right direction according to your overall health.

Your bedroom should be a place of sleep, and only sleep, especially if you suffer from any type of sleep disorder.

Tips to help insomnia:

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  Do not read in bed
  
  


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  Do not watch TV in bed, in fact remove television from bedroom
  
  


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  Do not engage in sex in the bedroom, choose another room for that as well
  
  


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  Try to go to bed at the same time each night
  
  


• 
  Cut back on smoking (especially before bedtime)
  
  


• 
  Reduce the intake of caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, etc)
  
  


• 
  Limit the intake of soda late at night, due to the amount of sugar
  
  

One major factor of insomnia is depression. Depression is usually treated with medication and therefore, should be discussed with your doctor.

Prognosis

Some sleep disorders go away all on their own, while others require medical attention and medication and is therefore highly recommended that you consult your doctor at the onset of insomnia.

Data About Sleeping Disorder Symptoms

Most of us are incapable in distinguishing if we are already suffering from an absence of sleep. Insufficient sleeping may make you hazy as well as making you powerless in your daily routines. It may also affect your behavior and dealings to other person especially you family or love ones. Sleeping disorder is concern about any complication relevance to sleeping. Such problems like too much and lack of sleeping, falling asleep, falling and sometimes even staying are all allied with sleeping disorder. This is also an inaccessible case which does not assert any problem that is connected in some long-lasting ailment.

Other sleeping disorder often causes seriously which may affect the physical functions of the body. Narcolepsy is a symptom which happens when a person made an excessive sleeping and hallucination. Insomnia can also be considered as an indicator of this disorder because of the incapability to sleep at the right time, daytime tiredness and unfilled time of waking up underlies sleeping disorder. Insomnia usually occurs to drivers, night workers, menopausal stages, and to some studious students.

But the most and common serious symptom is the sleep apnea. This indication can probably lead you to a life threatening result. The stoppage of breathing usually occurs and last from 10-20 seconds and pauses up to 30 times or an hour of breathing. Wheezing breathing while sleeping, stoppage breathing, choking while sleeping and tiredness after sleeping are the causes of sleep apnea. This usually happens to an overweight, or a person who has a large tonsil or else to whom who is actively having a nasal congestion. If this happen the sleeper might woke up to be able to breathe again and might suffer from lockage of oxygen which can directly causes death.

Leg discomfort causes an interruption to sleep, this syndrome occurs when legs indicates a painful irritation. This syndrome is known as Restless Leg Syndrome. It could be a relevance to alcoholism, problems regarding thyroids and kidneys, anemia and the Parkinson's diseases. PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder) is somewhat related to leg discomfort.

This syndrome is an involuntarily and a regular limb actions occurred while sleeping. REM sleeping behavior is another symptom which you can harshly violent your bed partner. Injuries such as kicking your partner, jumping off the bed while at asleep, or punching are the dream-acting mood of a REM symptom. The REM sleeper may possibly awaken while inadvertently attacking his or her partner. Bedwetting and nightmare are also commonly known symptoms of sleeping disorder. In order to evade and to have proper medications, a person suffering from these symptoms must have the knowledge and understanding of the classifications of sleep disorder symptoms.

Natural Remedies For Truck Drivers With Sleep Apnea And Other Sleep Disorders

Commercial Truck Drivers have a higher risk of sleep disorders than the general public due to their irregular work schedules and inability to get quality sleep. Sleeping in a truck hardly offers the same level of comfort that they would get in their own beds. Plus there is often the noise and distractions of sleeping at truckstops. Those drivers that aren't fortunate enough to get a parking space at truckstops to sleep often must park their truck anywhere they can. When this happens, they don't necessarily feel safe which interferes with the quality of sleep they receive.

Commercial truck drivers should be well rested and alert after sleeping but this is often not the case. The quality of sleep truck drivers get in their trucks is poor. Sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleep disorders can drastically affect truck drivers driving abilities when they are behind the wheel. This can increase their risk of being involved in accidents.

Getting good quality sleep and a sufficient level of sleep is a major factor in promoting weight loss, lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease and other health problems. It can also help with depression and increase longevity. Good quality sleep is vital to maintaining good health. Our immune system repairs damage to the body during the deepest stages of the sleep cycle. However, when ones sleep is disrupted the process of repairing the body can be hampered.

One alternative to treating sleep apnea naturally without the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or surgery is to use a safe and natural compound called 5-Hydroxytrptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor and many victims of sleep apnea are deficient in serotonin.

When one doesn't get sufficient sleep, the amount of cortisol increases which then decreases the amount of L-Tryptophan that gets to the brain. L-Tryptophan is an amino acid which is required for the brain to produce serotonin. 5-HTP can be used to raise serotonin levels in the body. It is recommended to start with 50 mg and increase the amount if needed. 5-HTP is easily available at supermarkets, pharmacies and online retailers. Those who choose to supplement with 5-HTP should do so under the advisement of their medical practitioner because there can be side effects.

Valerian root is a popular perennial herb available in supplement form used to treat insomnia and other sleep problems. Chronic insomnia accelerates the aging process throughout the entire body. Valerian root also helps treat anxiety and depression among other ailments. Valerian root contains a variety of active compounds in it one of which is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a chemical in the brain that produces a naturally calming effect in the body.

To help insure good quality sleep, one should avoid consuming coffee and other caffeinated beverages near bedtime. Also, make sure the bedding is comfortable. Listening to soft music often helps many people get in a calm relaxed state. Getting a good quality sleep on a regular basis is one of the best strategies for preventing disease and reversing disease processes.

How to Deal With Sleeping Disorders

Everyone at one point in their life finds it difficult to sleep peacefully. Lack of sleep effects our bodies mentally as well as physically in many ways. This includes stress, zombie like behaviour, poor memory as well as concentration and so forth.

Not only can sleep problems be caused by stress but also by what we intake in to our digestive system. Over consumption of properties such as alcohol or caffeine, medication consumed or possibly an illness can lead to a sleeping disorder. Illnesses associated with sleeping disorders include depression, anxiety, bladder conditions and possibly more.

Before going any further it's important to understand why sleep is important as well as necessary for your general health, how quality of sleep as well as sleeping patterns and dreams you have in your sleep play a part in the general quality of your slumber. Below I have listed some of the most common sleep disorders people suffer from.

1. The most common type of sleeping disorder is Insomnia. This is associated with a feeling of having not slept enough or possibly long enough. People who find that they suffer from Insomnia in most cases find they stay asleep for too long and get up rather late in the morning.


2. Another condition is named sleep apnea. This sleeping disorder commonly effects obese people and leads to victims being woken in the night as their breathing stops for a short period of time.


3. Narcolepsy is a condition related to sleep attacks that happen during the day as well as other symptoms such as sleep paralysis or hallucinations.


4. Parasomniacs are individuals that experience things such as nightmares, sleep walking, fast heart rate and so forth. Children are often found in this category of sleeping disorders.

These are some of the conditions that people suffer from which effects their sleep pattern. It's important to realise sleep is just as important as your intake for food or water. If you suffer from a sleep disorder such as those listed above or think you may have a sleeping disorder then take action immediately. I suggest contacting your local doctor for free advice and support as well as researching on the net many techniques and methods to help you sleep a peaceful night.

Advances in technology have led to doctors finding new and ingenious ways to help you deal with your sleeping disorder. remember that sometimes just following regular sleeping habits can often correct sleeping disorders, but not in all cases.

Sleep Disorders: Restless Leg Syndrome

Sleep disorders is a broad category encompassing of variety of conditions that affect

sleep. Often, sleep disorders have environmental or behavioral causes: the result of

stress or poor sleep hygiene. But this is not always the case: Restless Leg

Syndrome is a neurological disorder, without links to any specific

environmental or behavioral cause.

It's 3am. You've been lying awake for hours. Finally, sleep comes. Thoughts slowly

drift off. Try to hold onto one and it flits away. Turn over once more. Snuggle close.

Fall into the blissful unconsciousness of sleep.

But then. There's that feeling. At first you're only dimly aware of it; a slight tingling

in your dream, perhaps. But it grows stronger. Burning and itching creep up and

down your legs. Your legs might even start twitching. You might wake up. Your

bedmate certainly will.

The itching gets so unbearable that you can think of nothing else. You vigorously

rub you legs. You jump out of bed. You walk around the house, around the block.

You have to do something, anything, to get it to stop. It subsides for a time, but as

soon as you lie back down that creeping, that aching comes right back and you

can't sleep.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a painful disorder characterized by the

overwhelming need to move your legs while sitting or lying down. A burning or

itching sensation occurs during inactivity and is most severe at night. Symptoms are

relieved by motion or pressure, but only temporarily. The exact cause of RLS is

unknown, but there appears to be a genetic link. Dopamine and serotonin also

appear to be a factor in causing RLS: medications that affect serotonin and

dopamine can cause RLS.

RLS has several types of treatments: medication can help, as can stretching

periodically or practicing yoga or Pilates. Additionally, consider picking an aisle seat

during movies or on airplanes. That way, you're free to get up and walk around.

And, as always, if you have trouble sleeping, if you're constantly tired, talk to your

doctor. Sleep diary can also help. Keep track of how well you slept each night and

what you did during the day: how much caffeine you drank, what you ate. Things

like that. It can provide a wealth of information about your sleeping patterns and

behaviors.

Insomnia in Children and Women and Various Prescribed Medicines for Insomnia

While insomnia prevails among a notable proportion of adults, children too suffer from sleep disorders. Insomnia in children is characterized by signs of wakefulness or restlessness daily at night, irritability or heaviness on waking from sleep, mood swings, lack of concentration, and unusual difficulty with remembering.

Causes of Insomnia in Children

In children, the causes of insomnia are generally more easy to work out that in grown ups. If your child suffers from any of the symptoms listed above, look for any one or more of these causes that usually cause insomnia in children: stress, diet, anxiety, fear, physical problems (constipation, pain etc.), and disturbed routine (watching TV late in the night, over use of computer, video games etc.)

Insomnia in Women

A good number of women suffer from insomnia in early pregnancy. Insomnia In Early Pregnancy Is Mostly Caused By Discomfort And Anxiety. Most people attribute the insomnia in early pregnancy to the hormonal imbalances - while in some cases this would be true, there are plenty instances where the insomnia in early pregnancy is caused by the excitement and anxiety of being pregnant. . To counteract the problem, you will have to consult a doctor since self medication would be contraindicated once you are confirmed to be pregnant.

Insomnia during Pregnancy

Studies have found that about 78 % of pregnant women suffer from insomnia for varying durations. However, physicians believe that insomnia during pregnancy is normal and not dangerous to the infant's health. A number of reasons account for sleeping difficulties encountered during pregnancy. In many cases, the growing size of the abdomen is the main cause of sleeplessness. Pressure eon the bladder caused by increased size of the abdomen makes it necessary to urinate several times during the night. The pregnant woman feels trouble with finding a comfortable position for sleeping. Feeling the baby's movement can also cause waking up at night. Heartburn and back pain are two main physical problems that cause insomnia during pregnancy. There might be aching in the hips, causing discomfort. Hormonal changes and psychological conditions like anxiety and/or depression are other main causes of sleeplessness.

Coping With Insomnia during Pregnancy

The first thing to do is to prevent you from getting overly anxious, just looking at the time and worrying about sleep. Taking a warm bath, before going to bed, brings comfort and relaxes you to sleep. Relaxation exercises like yoga and meditation etc. are helpful in relieving anxiety and bringing sleep. You can also ask your partner for a massage. Take plenty of exercise during the day or in the evening but not too close to bedtime. Exercise will make you tired and hence drive you to sleep. Also try to avoid taking naps in the day. If you get up several times to urinate during the course of the night, take fewer fluids after 4 pm. Also avoid taking caffeine drinks in the evening. Their stimulating effect is a sleep antagonist. Keep the temperature of the bedroom at a comfortable level. Keep the window open for fresh air to reach you. Use additional blankets to keep you warm if the room feels cold.

Menopause and Insomnia in Women

Women going through their menopause frequently suffer from insomnia. Menopause and insomnia co-occur due to the reduction and imbalance of hormones associated with menopause. The resulting stress, anxiety, and depression deprive the menopausal woman of sleep. Accompanying these sleep disturbances are hot flashes and sweats that are the characteristic symptoms of menopause.

Treatment for Menopausal Insomnia

Insomnia is treated in a variety of ways like prescribed medications, herbal formulas, relaxation techniques, exercises, psychological treatment (if anxiety or depression are the main cause), lifestyle changes, home remedies and nutrition etc. For menopause and insomnia co-occurring, hormone replacement therapy is also used. However, it is not effective in all women and different women going through menopause respond differently to this therapy. When the body's hormonal imbalance settles down by itself, the insomnia associated with it also disappears.

Various Prescribed Medicines for Insomnia

Trazodone is an antidepressant available in the drug market under the brand name Desyrel or Desyrel Dividose. Besides treating depression, loss of motivation for daily activities, and other symptoms, Trazodone is frequently prescribed for treating symptoms of insomnia.

Over the years, lexapro and insomnia have been connected together because of the fact that most people who have taken this drug ends up suffering from insomnia. According to experts, lexapro is one of the most effective drugs for treating depression especially in children and adolescents. Unfortunately, lexapro and insomnia seem to have become so closely associated that when you think of lexapro and insomnia, you immediately associate it with cause and effect where lexapro becomes the cause of insomnia.

Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces naturally. It is also a powerful antioxidant. Melatonin is reported to help to have a sedative effect on the body, helping to induce sleep in many. It is non-toxic and no side effects have been officially reported while using this therapy. Using melatonin for insomnia is a fairly well-known practice in society.

Prozac is certain type of medicine that is commonly used to treat depression in people. As an anti-depressant, prozac is rather effective and is said to be very good in helping people with anxiety disorders and eating disorders. However, the bad news about prozac is that it can have some serious side effects including insomnia.

Current Health Events - Depression and Sleep

Current health events are always helping the medical science to find their ways in the world of medicine and it is through the discoveries of these events that they are able to find the right choices and avoid the wrong ones in the long run.

In the latest current health events, it has been found that sleep can play a very important role in cases of depression in adolescents. In their latest research, the college of physicians and surgeons of Columbia University of New York are looking into the facts behind this research.

The research included the sleep times that the parents inculcate on their children, the amount of hours that the children sleep for up to their teens and the pattern of their sleep. They are also trying to find out the difference between regular sleeping hours compared to the same amount of hours however at different times of the night.

Current health events have also shown that many teens don't have very good sleeping habits and although they do sleep for more than 8 hours per day the time of going to sleep is late and getting up in the morning is also late. Depression due to lack of sleep is a very common symptom; however, there are other factors that are being studied to see the real difference that they can make.

The research gave very specific demonstration of the point that children whose parents allowed them to go to be after 11.00 pm or later are much more prone to depression and anxiety than those who were given an earlier bed time table.

Other current health events have also been able to clarify the point that sleep is deeper during the hours before midnight and the sleep that you get after midnight is not so deep and you need to take these factors into consideration at all times.

Being able to allow your children and teens to have better sleep habits may therefore be a very good way of avoiding problems like depression in teens and in people of all ages in general. Sleep deprivation can cause the energy levels to go down and automatically you will feel down and irritated at the same time. Once your brain gets into that pattern, then it becomes difficult for the brain to find a better way to handle itself.

These current health events are always allowing you to become more aware of the things that you can always do to improve your health and the health of your family in general.

How Are Sleep Disorders Diagnosed?

Insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy and other disorders require professional and immediate treatment. Don't let your condition linger. Find out all you can about what ails you and what you can do about it.

Here are some common tests used to diagnose sleep disorders.

Nocturnal Polysomnogram

The nocturnal polysomnogram (N-PSG) test is used to diagnose narcolepsy, respiratory disorders, nocturnal myoclonus and REM issues. During the test, a patient must stay overnight for lab observation. Medical technicians monitor muscle and brain activity, breathing, eye movement and heart rhythm. Stages of NREM and REM sleep are analyzed carefully for specific sleeping disorder symptoms.

Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)

The multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) is used to diagnose excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and narcolepsy. Quality and duration of sleep are tested through a series of four naps. REM sleep occurs instantly for narcoleptics. The MSLT measures how long it takes for REM sleep to set in. Brain waves, heart rate, muscle and eye movements are also monitored for symptoms.

Nasal CPAP/BIAP Titration

The Nasal CPAP/BIAP titration helps patients who have upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) or sleep apnea. This procedure tries to eliminate snoring and disruptive breathing, while also trying to stabilize the oxygen saturation in your blood. Airflow is measured via a continuous positive airway pressure device or nasal CPAP. After analyzing your sleep stages, the CPAP pressure settings are adjusted to optimal levels.

Overnight Oximetry

Overnight oximetry is one of the procedures used to diagnose for sleep apnea. It measures the amount of oxygen that is saturated in your blood stream. Sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea can have their air pathways completely blocked. The result isn't only uncomfortable (causing snorting and gasping for air), it's also very dangerous (it can lead to strokes, high blood pressure and heart disease). If apnea sufferers experience an episode of blocked breathing, the overnight oximetry test can measure the severity of the situation.

Repeated test of sustained wakefulness (RTSW)

In the RTSW test, the patient is put into a sleep-friendly environment (typically a quiet, comfortable room with little light). The patient is then asked to not go to sleep. The RTSW test measures the patient's resistance to sleep. In this environment, narcoleptics fall asleep in a very short period time.

If your sleeping issues are minor, then simple over-the-counter treatments like Good Night's Sleep can help you get back to a normal rest pattern. Good Night's Sleep takes an alternative approach to sleep-relief. Good Night's Sleep delivers a night-time sleep aid via an easy-to-use mouth spray. Unlike sleeping pills, Good Night's Sleep is instantly absorbed for fast-acting relief.

Simple lifestyle adjustments and other home remedies can also be employed to combat mild sleeping disorders. Try, as best you can, to maintain regular sleeping and eating patterns. When your body feels tired, don't fight the urge to relax. Enhance your comfort levels. Drink warm milk or sleep-friendly herbal tea. Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine. Enable your sleepiness by using your bedroom for sleep purposes only. Read and watch TV in another room.

Sleep disorders are serious business. Don't let your sleep issues rule your life. Get help. Visit your doctor, describe your symptoms and get a proper diagnosis. What might seem like a nuisance might actually be signs of a more major health concern.

Solving Your Child's Sleep Problems - 5 Tips That Can Help

Sleep is very important for a little child to get. Kids have a lot to do during the day: learning, playing, and sometimes obeying rules. With a lack of sleep, children can show a decrease in all of these areas.

It is also vital for their growth and development for them to get enough sleep. Little bodies are constantly growing and changing and need to get a certain amount of sleep to fully reach their growth potential.

So, if you suspect your child is not getting enough sleep, there are things that you can do to help them out.

1. Read books before bedtime. Reading allows them to calm down before going to sleep and leaves them with a positive experience before falling asleep.


2. Give them a bath. Taking a bath before bedtime can relax their senses and help them to sleep better when they do fall asleep.


3. Massage them at night. A light massage can also relax their bodies.


4. Keep them in their own beds. If you are letting them sleep with you, they could become distracted at night or want to wake up and play at inopportune hours. Putting them in their own rooms will not only give them a sense of independence, but will possibly allow them the sleep they need.


5. Keep the routine consistent. Put them to bed at an appropriate time every night and stick with it. Letting kids stay up late one night and putting them to bed early another night can be confusing and hurt their sleep schedule.

Follow these tips and it should make sleeping a lot easier for your child. If more problems persist despite all that you try, bring them to your physician or a sleep doctor to help diagnose and treat.

List of Sleep Disorders

A sleep disorder is characterized as the disturbance in time, quality, amount, or behavior associated with sleep. The average length of time an individual sleeps varies but on average most adults sleep between seven and nine hours per night. Not only is the quantity of sleep important but the quality of sleep is also important. People need to sleep in order think clearly and react quickly to everyday situations.

There are five stages of normal human sleep cycle.

Stage 1 occurs when an individual is falling asleep and is considered a NREM (non-rapid eye movement sleep). About 5 percent of Stage 1 is represented in a normal adult sleep time.

Stage 2 marks the beginning of true sleep. About 50 percent of Stage 2 is represented in a normal adult sleep time.

Stage 3 and Stage 4 is the deepest level of sleep. About 10-20 percent of Stage 3 and 4 is represented in a normal adult sleep time.

Stage 5 is the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. About 20-25 percent of Stage 5 is presented in a normal adult sleep time.

The following is a list of the different types of sleep issues that exist:

Insomnia - An individual has difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep.

Hypersomnia - An individual experiences episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged

sleep during the night.

Narcolepsy - This is a chronic sleeping disorder and a chronic neurological disorder that is caused by the inability of an individual's brain to regulate sleep-wake cycles properly.

Restless leg syndrome - This is a neurological disorder where an individual experiences an unpleasant sensation in their leg (such as a creeping or tugging feeling).

Sleep apnea - It occurs when an individual has one or more pauses in breathing while sleeping.

The breathing pauses for seconds or minutes depending on the severity of an individual's sleep apnea.

Other sleep issues include mental disorders (depression or anxiety), or existing medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Encephalitis, or Thyroid disease.

Not all sleep disorders are related to a medical condition or disorder. Individuals can also experience nightmares, sleepwalking, night terrors, and teeth grinding which are also considered sleep disorders.

Emotional, environmental, or physical changes can also cause sleeping issues. The changing of a job, moving to a new home, financial problems, and death or illness of a family member can result in sleep disorders.

Sleep disorders can be caused by medications such as antihistamines (used to treat allergies) or corticosteroids (used to treat cancer) that can affect the central nervous system and cause an individual to experience trouble sleeping. A common cause of sleep disorder is an individual having trouble sleeping due to consumption of caffeine or alcohol.

There are also work related issues that can cause sleep disorders - in addition to the most common work related issue which is stress. An individual that travels a great deal can experience jetlag due to time changes. Also, an individual who works shift work can experience sleep disorders when switching from one shift to another.

An individual's sleeping arrangements can also contribute to a sleep disorder. For example, an individual that is sharing a sleeping space with an individual who snores heavily can contribute to a sleep disorder.

Sleep Disorders - The Worldwide Epidemic

Did you know that almost half of Americans suffers from a sleep disorder? Sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and apnea are less common, however insomnia alone affects a third of all adults. What is more shocking is that insomnia remains largely under-recognized and inadequately treated.

What is clear is that there is a severe lack of physician education about insomnia, and also the belief that sleep complaints are not important, among both patients and physicians. This obviously does not help and contributes to the fact that only 5% of Americans with sleep disorders ever seek help from their physician.

A whopping 40% of insomniacs medicate themselves to get to sleep, more commonly with the use of over-the-counter sleep aids. For the common insomniac it would appear that there really isn't an awful lot of help out there. It's not a surprise that big companies are cashing in on over-the-counter sleep aids.

What people generally realize is that sleeping pills do not cure their insomnia, but they have no choice in order to fall asleep, however brief and un-refreshing it may be. What needs to be tackled is the cause of insomnia, only then will you be able to conquer insomnia effectively.

But how do we do this if even our doctors can't seem to help us? Where do we look for insomnia cures? Well that answer really depends on what you are willing to try. We are all different and indeed what works for others may not work for you.

Searching for an insomnia cure is like wading through a giant haystack. You may have tried the obvious option, the sleeping pill. However sleeping pills have their side effects which often make taking them pointless.

This is why many people are turning towards alternative medicines and practices. We live in a world and age where information is only a few clicks away. Many people have cured their insomnia with alternative therapies. There are many alternative solutions out there if you are prepared to look.

There is a wealth of information and help out there for people who suffer from sleep disorders, but it's your choice to dig a little deeper and avoid the easy options. Make the right decisions and find the right help.

Sleep Disorders - How Do They Affect Your Brain's Functioning?

"Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" is an active undertaking, not a passive one

When you lay your body down for a night's sleep, you're not really resting -- you're just working your brain instead of your body. During your sleep time you will pass repeatedly -- every hour-and-a-half to two hours -- through five stages of sleep. It is during this time that your brain conducts "maintenance and upkeep" operations which, among other things, keep you sane. The memories of the things you've done today are integrated during sleep into all the other memories you have of days past. When you fail to get enough sleep, this maintenance and upkeep isn't properly accomplished and you begin to suffer from the effects of sleep deprivation.

How much sleep do you need?

That's a good question. Actually, it's a lot like the question "How long is a string?" Before you can answer about the length of a string, you need to know which particular, specific string you're talking about. How much sleep you need is similar in that the answer varies for each particular, specific individual you're talking about. Some people need five or six hours of sleep each night. Others may need ten to 12 hours. Infants, on average, will need about 16 hours per day. On average, most teenagers need nine hours, adults usually need 7 to 8 hours, and some few people only need five or six hours. You'll also need more sleep if you're in the early stages of pregnancy or if you've missed sleep in the past day or two. The amount of sleep your body thinks it needs is, in fact, just what it needs. If it needs eight hours a night and you go a few nights with only six, you're body's going to demand that you "repay" this debt by sleeping longer hours for the necessary number of nights. Meanwhile, you're in a sleep deprived state and may find yourself having slower reaction times, poorer judgment, and "drifting off" at odd moments. Sleep deprivation is not something you want to encourage or accept.

What are the effects of sleep deprivation?

Sleep experts are generally in agreement that if you feel drowsy during the day you haven't had enough sleep. Or if it's normal for you to fall asleep within five minutes of lying down, you're probably suffering from degree of sleep deprivation. It may be so severe as to constitute a sleep disorder.

Sleep deprivation is, beyond question, dangerous. Tests have shown that if you're sleep deprived you'll perform tasks as poorly as someone who is intoxicated on alcohol. Unfortunately, complete teetotalers who wouldn't dream of driving drunk sometimes drive so sleep deprived that they might as well be drunk. And if you do drink while you're in a sleep-deprived condition, the problems only multiply! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 automobile accidents -- and 1,500 deaths -- are caused or exacerbated each year by sleep deprivation. Coffee or other stimulants cannot and will not overcome the effects of sleep deprivation. You are too drowsy to drive safely if you can't stop yawning, if you have problems keeping your eyes focused, or if you can't remember the last few miles you've driven. If you find yourself feeling drowsy while driving, stop driving.

Sleep Disorders

About 40 million people in the United States (about 2 percent of us) suffer from severe sleep disorders such as insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and sleep apnea. Each of these interferes with your sleep. Each of these, therefore, interferes with your brain's maintenance & upkeep operations. Each of these, therefore, can result in you doing the moral equivalent of driving drunk. They can leave you disoriented, unable to focus, and unable to make sound decisions about your life and responsibilities. If you suspect that you have a severe sleep disorder you should take immediate steps -- including consulting with your doctor -- to ensure that your brain is getting enough sleep each and every night. Failure to get enough sleep isn't just inconvenient, it's downright dangerous!

Copyright (c) William Johnson 2008

How to Prevent Insomnia Sleeping Disorder

For some, being unable to sleep at night is more than just an annoyance; if you regularly are sleep deprived due to insomnia, you may have insomnia sleeping disorder, a serious problem that can lead to health issues down the road as well as more immediate problems in your personal and professional life.

Insomnia sleeping disorder is not when you have a few nights you can not sleep for a little while that is transient insomnia, usually due to stress or illness. Even insomnia for a few months is not considered serious, particularly when you can identify the reason for your sleeping problems.

True insomnia sleeping disorder is diagnosed when you have long term problems falling asleep and staying asleep, to the point where you may hallucinate or micro sleep during the day.

In some cases, insomnia sleeping disorder is caused by an underlying mental illness; it is generally marked by some odd sleeping disorder such as severe nightmares, sleepwalking or other sleep behaviors, or talking in your sleep. In some of these the problem is mechanical in nature, a natural brain path disorder that does not allow all your bodily functions to be put into stasis when you go to sleep. In cases like this, treatment with prescription sleeping medications may be the only solution.

More often, insomnia sleeping disorder is caused by either stress in your life or by an underlying physical illness or disorder. Probably the most common cause of insomnia sleeping disorder is sleep apnea, a situation where you cease breathing when you sleep periodically and for as long as thirty seconds at a time.

With sleep apnea, you may think you have gotten your full eight hours of sleep, yet be groggy and tired the next morning; or you may wake frequently in the middle of the night for no apparent reason.

Underlying causes of sleep apnea include breathing disorders like asthma or emphysema, and obesity. If you snore a lot when you sleep, or if you find yourself struggling to breathe when you wake in the middle of the night, your doctor should test you for sleep apnea. It is a very treatable disease.

If instead your insomnia sleeping disorder is caused by stress, you need to look at your life and see what you can change. When you are so worried or stressed about things that you cannot sleep, you need to start simplifying, passing on duties, or finding ways to relieve financial stress.

Counseling is a good idea and if you try this, talk to your counselor about all your problems. He or she can probably recommend other professionals who can help with your life stresses: financial advisor for money problems, home care respite volunteers for elderly parents you are caring for, etc.

No matter what your insomnia sleeping disorder is coming from, you should address it as soon as possible. it may not seem so terrible to you, but insomnia and its effects can make your immune system weaker and less able to fight off illness, throw your body systems out of whack and allow pre-diabetes to develop into full-blown, and kill you and other people if you micro sleep while driving. Repairing your sleep disorder now may save your life.

Hypnosis For Sleep Disorders

A pleasant night's sleep is believed to be the greatest way to re-establish and revive both your body and mind. When you cannot attain it for a long time your physical condition will suffer to a large extent. Several persons endure insomnia or lack of sleep for various causes. Insomnia is a sleep illness, the most ordinary causes is pressures at home and from work, financial or marital problems and certain medicinal situations. Signs of insomnia are usually lack of sleep for long intervals of time, disrupted sleep or unable to go back to sleep once the sleep has been disrupted.

How does hypnosis for insomnia actually work?

Hypnosis is an ordinary condition of the mind that is in the middle of sleep and wakefulness; in this situation one can gain entry to your subconscious mind and consequently, access nearly all of your minds faculties. Hypnosis is used in curing countless illnesses most of which are emotionally established in order to generate a customary design and re-establish normal inclinations that once subsisted inside you. Hypnosis for insomnia acts in similar design, involving more than a several sessions to reinstate your ordinary sleeping habit.

The Procedure of Hypnosis Treatment

When an individual is hypnotized, he goes through a trance-like situation in which the brain is amenable to proposition within a constricted motivation. A therapist directs the known strains to facilitate or stimulate a beneficial breather at home. A responsive client can achieve vast rein over sleep disorders with verbal persuasion that deals with a person's recollection, visions and sentiments. A therapist may hold the person in a hypnotic status to bolster constructive actions for realization later on. These might comprise the capacity to arrive a stress-free period at any time and the efficient approaches that lessen apprehensions.

Remember that a hypnotic sleep differs from a natural night's phase of intense sleep. Through hypnosis, both the specialists and practitioners can control the mind and body of a person. They can modify disorders to achieve a successful sleeping behavior. Hypnosis is a beneficial method to teach the mind how to let go of all worries of the day and focus on a night full of rest. Whether a disturbed individual consults a therapist or do self-hypnosis, this procedure aids every person to attain a relaxed condition to accomplish unobstructed phase of sleep.

Self-Hypnotization

While self-hypnotization can assist a person who encounters slight sleeping problems, an expert should identify and cure brief- or lifelong disorders. To reach a state of complete relaxation through hypnosis, you must start by breathing deeply and to have proper concentration on relaxation techniques. Your sleep or surroundings might help you relax deeply as you commence to hypnotize your very own self. You can create a more peaceful area by means of eradicating all motivations, for instance brilliant lights and annoying noises. Frequently, gentle melodies may aid self-hypnosis. Professionals also suggest self-hypnosis in the vicinity of your garden with flowing water, since the sounds of the water soothes and relaxes both the mind and body. To totally conquer insomnia, learning to relax with self-hypnosis is very important, but it is not always viable to listen to an audio or watch DVD recordings. Knowing how to confer post-hypnotic insinuations wherever you are at a given time will help you accomplish a deep relaxation.

Whether you do it with your hypnotherapist or through self-hypnosis, hypnosis is a gentle and a much safer way of treating insomnia or any other sleep disorder.

The Different Kinds Of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are a complicated problem in America. We lead such hectic lifestyles between work, home and recreation that we are prone to getting sleep deprived. A lack of solid sleep is a common cause of car accidents, job failures and poor school performance. With sleep problems, we end up having problems in our relationships because we have irritability and mood swings.

There are a number of sleep disorders. Some are trivial while others are severe. You can suffer from sleep disorders from newborns to old age and even our pets can suffer from sleep problems. Bedwetting is a sleep disorder that is common in children and that goes away as the child ages. Others have difficult cures, such as narcolepsy that is when you fall asleep at inappropriate times.

Types of sleep disorders

Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorder, especially in young people. It is the result of not being able to get to sleep at night and can also cause frequent wakening. Women get it more than men and it can be caused by anxiety or depression. One good treatment for insomnia is melatonin, a hormonal therapy that allows you to fall asleep. Good sleep hygiene is important as are behavioral therapies.

Restless Leg Syndrome

This is the constant need to move your legs when you are trying to sleep. You feel uncomfortable tingly or burning sensations in your legs that is only relieved by moving your legs. You cannot get a good night's sleep when you want to move your legs all the time. It can happen at any time during the day and isn't just a nighttime phenomenon.

You can use self help methods for treating restless legs syndrome. Iron sometimes works as does electrical stimulation for your legs. Sleeping with a pillow between the legs also helps.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a condition where you sleep at inappropriate times. You feel sleepy during the day and can suffer from hallucinations when you sleep. You can fall asleep quite suddenly.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be a result of obesity or a brain dysfunction and results in an inability to get enough breath during sleep. Basically your airways collapse during sleep and you can't get air into your lungs. You then have a period of loss of breath that ends when you gasp and breathe again. It can affect the quality of sleep greatly.

Jet Lag

Jet lag happens when you travel over several different time zones and have problems getting a good night's sleep on either end of the trip. Melatonin works well to reset the sleep point so you are sleeping normally in no time.

Women tend to get more get lag than men and it is often accompanied by dehydration, lack of a decent appetite, insomnia, poor sleep patterns, headaches and fatigue. You should try to sleep and awaken according to the time zone you are actually in and it helps to get a lot of sunshine, regardless of where you are at. This also helps set your sleep wake cycle so you sleep better at night.

Exploring Child Sleep Disorders

Many parents do not realize that there are a number of child sleep disorders that their children can suffer from. These sleep complications can be mild to severe. They can last a short amount of time to an extended amount of time. As a parent, it is important that you take the time to learn about the various types of child sleep disorders. Here, you will receive a breakdown on these various conditions.

Sleep Apnea:

Sleep apnea is a condition that many children suffer from. This condition occurs when a child actually quits breathing in their sleep. Many medical professionals state that this child sleep disorder can result in a number of devastating consequences. The child may suffer from behavioral issues and issues as far as the attention span is concerned. The child may begin to lose weight and suffer from a lack of energy and alertness during the daytime hours. Symptoms of this particular child sleep disorder include:

o Snoring

o Trouble falling asleep

o Trouble staying asleep

o Lack of energy

o Breathing through the mouth consistently

Sleepwalking:

Many children suffer from the condition of sleepwalking. When children sleep, they normally fall into deep trances. When sleepwalking occurs, the eyes are normally opened and the child can see items around them. However, they may easily confuse the items that they see. For example, if they see a window, the brain may interpret it as a door. The child may then attempt to "open" the "door", when, in fact, they are opening a window. Symptoms of sleepwalking include:

o Seeming as if they are not comprehending if you speak to them

o Open eyes, dazed look

o Easily manipulated while sleepwalking

o Generally, the child does not talk

o Falling asleep in odd locations around the home, and not remembering how they got there

Night Terrors:

Night terrors are considered to be one of the most common of child sleep disorders. This condition occurs when a child is deeply asleep. Children will normally experience a very scary episode that puts them in jeopardy of disturbing individuals near them. Parents should simply remain calm and not encourage the child to engage in conversation about the issue. There are many symptoms associated with this particular child sleep disorder:

o The child may scream while sleeping, and then fall back to sleep

o Many children may scream and actually run from the bed

o Children are normally unresponsive to conversation

o If they are awaken, they may become irritated

o Generally, these episodes are not remembered

Nightmares:

Nightmares are very common. While these sleep disturbances are normally not considered "disorders" in the medical sense, they can become very disturbing to a young child. These occurrences can be extremely difficult for the child to deal with. Many children are so young that they are unable to tell the difference between what is real, and what is not. This is because nightmares often instill a sense of realism because they invoke so many different emotions. Parents should simply comfort the child and engage in activities that may help make the child comfortable. Placing a nightlight in the room can be a great way to comfort a child.

As you can see, there are a number of sleep disturbances and disorders that a child may suffer from. As a parent, you should learn as much as you possibly can about these situations so that you know and understand the best approach when they are experienced. If these conditions become extremely troublesome, you should inform the pediatrician that cares for your child.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks in Children and Adults

Anxiety attacks can affect people of all ages, including children. In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder in children, affecting as many as one in ten of young people. Anxiety and panic attacks in children is more common than you would think.

What causes anxiety in children?

There are many factors that cause children to develop anxiety problems, two of which are genetic and environmental factors. During their lives all children experience some kind of anxiety, this is normal and to be expected. For example, when children start school for the first time they worry about being left without their parents for the first time, and most children are scared of the dark so they become distressed. Such anxiety becomes a problem when it interrupts a child's normal activities like attending school and making friends or sleeping. Anxiety can affect a child's ability to function properly, and they may develop high blood pressure, start to vomit, and experience stomach pains among other things.

Types of anxiety disorders in children and adults.

Generalised anxiety disorder or GAD.

Children and adults with generalised anxiety disorder experience fears and worries that they find difficult to control. They worry about almost everything - school, home life, sports, and being on time etc. They may be restless, irritable tense or easily tired, and they may have trouble concentrating or sleeping. Children with GAD are usually eager to please others and look for perfection in everything they do.

Children with separation anxiety disorder

Children with separation anxiety disorder are so worried about being away from home it affects their ability to function socially and at school. Children with this problem need to stay home near to their parents. Children with this disorder may worry excessively about their parents when they are apart from them. When they are together, the child may cling to parents, refuse to go to school, or be afraid to sleep alone. Repeated nightmares about separation and physical symptoms such as stomach-aches and headaches are also common in children with separation anxiety disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Children who experience a physical or emotional trauma such as witnessing a shooting or disaster, surviving physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or being in a car accident may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children are more easily traumatised than adults. An event that may not be traumatic to an adult - such as a bumpy plane journey - might be traumatic to a child. A child may "re-experience" the trauma through nightmares, constant thoughts about what happened, or re-enacting the event while playing. A child with PTSD will experience symptoms of general anxiety, including irritability or trouble sleeping and eating. Children may exhibit other symptoms such as being easily startled.

Social phobia

Social phobia usually emerges in the mid-teens. Young people with this disorder have a constant fear of social situations or when they have to perform such as speaking in class or eating in public. The fear is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, blushing, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or muscle tenseness.Young people with social phobia typically respond to these feelings by avoiding the feared situation. For example, they may stay home from school or avoid parties. Young people with social phobia are often overly sensitive to criticism, have trouble being assertive, and suffer from low self-esteem. Social phobia can be limited to specific situations, so the adolescent may fear dating and avoid recreational events but can still be confident in academic and work situations.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder typically begins in early childhood or adolescence. Children can show symptoms at a very young age and may have frequent and uncontrollable thoughts and may perform routines or rituals in an attempt to eliminate the thoughts. Those with the disorder often repeat behaviours to avoid some imagined consequence. For example, a compulsion common to people with OCD is excessive hand washing due to fear of germs. Other common compulsions include counting, repeating works silently, and rechecking completed tasks. These obsessions and compulsions take up so much time that they interfere with daily living and cause a young person a great deal of anxiety.

Panic disorder - panic attacks - children

Children and adolescents with panic disorder have unexpected and repeated periods of intense fear or discomfort along with other symptoms such as racing heartbeat or feeling short of breath. These panic attacks can last from minutes to hours. Panic disorder often begins during adolescence, although it may start during childhood. Panic attacks can interfere with a child's or adolescent's relationships, schoolwork and, and normal development. Children and adolescents with panic disorder may begin to feel anxious most of the time, even when they are not having a panic attack. Some children with panic disorder develop depression and may be at risk of suicidal behaviour. As an attempt to decrease anxiety, some adolescents with panic disorder will use alcohol or drugs.

Sleep Disorders and Leg Movement

Fifteen years ago, I fractured my ankle. It required surgery, the insertion of one metal plate and four pins. My leg was placed in a cast and I was told to keep the leg suspended for at least 2 months. Despite the hospital noise and light, I was able to sleep. But what I can never forget is that my dreams were filled with running episodes and disordered leg movements --me running up and down hills, even falling on the uneven grassy surface. I could feel my foot jamming into a hole and the movement of the fall would wake me up. Then I would lie in bed feeling silly because the cast was so stiff that I could not even wriggle my toes.

I have since discovered that leg movements in sleep are common experiences. They are normal spasms that occur just before we fall asleep. However, there are other disruptive leg movements that are symptoms of sleep disorder syndromes. People with Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, for example, are wakened by involuntary rhythmic movements of the limbs during sleep. Sometimes these take the form of twitching in toes and ankles; other times, they involve more flailing and exaggerated movements of the arms and legs. But the movements come in clusters, some lasting a few minutes, others more than an hour. In effect, the movements are jerky and persistent enough to disrupt sleep and cause sleep deprivation.

About 80% of people with periodic leg movement sleep disorder also experience the Restless Leg Syndrome, a condition that affects about 10% of the adult population in North America and Europe. Unlike the periodic limb movement disorder, restless legs are most often experienced as "insects crawling inside the legs," a sensation which leads to an urge to stand up and move around. You can be in bed, trying to sleep, but your limbs become prickly or tingly and this sensation can only be relieved by physically getting up and moving around. Needless to say, sleeping when you have this syndrome is next to impossible.

Because our knowledge of these disorders is limited (the exact causes of these conditions are still unknown), treatment is often limited as well. Research, however is ongoing and much progress has been made in the last 5 years to define the nature and manifestations of these disorders. Here, for example, are some new expressions of these disorders uncovered by research.

1. Both restless leg syndrome and periodic leg movements are common in children with hyperactivity attention deficit disorder.

2. Both conditions seem to be more prevalent in the older adult female population.

3. Neurophysiological studies also indicate that restless leg syndrome is linked to irregularities in the spinal cord and brain.

4. Other studies have shown a correlation between the disorders and reduced iron concentrations in some brain regions.

5.Periodic Leg Movement Sleep Disorder seems to be linked to predisposing factors such as diabetes, use of anti-depressants, kidney disease, metabolic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and circulatory problems.

6. A great deal of attention is also focused on the genetic component of both disorders. According to the National Sleep Foundation, restless leg syndrome occurs 3 to 5 times more frequently in first degree relatives of people with the same syndrome than in people without the syndrome. This finding definitely suggests a strong hereditary component to the sleep disorder.

If you do experience these leg movement symptoms that chronically deprive you of sleep, what can you do?

1. Some people experience mild cases of these disorders and seem to be able to function quite well without medical supervision. Consult your physician about your situation if it regularly deprives you of sleep and is causing inattentive or careless daytime responses that require medical attention. Your physician may be able to prescribe medication that can help you with the problems. A study sponsored by Eli Lilly suggests that a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease, may be effective in the treatment of restless leg syndrome and periodic leg movement disorder.

2. Use of electric nerve stimulation therapy applied to an area in the feet or legs seems to be helpful as well. This therapy is usually done 15-30 minutes before bedtime.

3. Make use of home treatments for relaxation--such as meditation, yoga or massage.

4. Avoid using alcohol, caffeine or anti-depressants as these may trigger episodes of leg movements.

5. Seek information and resources at your local Sleep Center here: http://www.sleepcenters.org/

Copyright 2006 Mary Desaulniers

How a SAD Alarm Clock Cures Sleep Disorders and Depression

If you are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is having a hard time waking up in the morning or sleeping through an alarm, and other sleep disorders, then a SAD Alarm Clock is the right clock for you.

SAD alarm clocks, otherwise known as sunrise alarms or dawn simulators mimic natural sunrise. It lets a person with sleeping disorder wake up in the morning through natural light that gradually increases in intensity. These clocks, although commonly referred to as dawn simulator can also act as dusk simulators helping people who have trouble getting sleep at night fall asleep naturally.

SAD light clocks are so effective for people with sleeping disorders because of its natural effect. Unlike a regular alarm clock this clock lets you feel relaxed and settled in. As you may already observed, regular alarm clocks goes off with a loud sound in the form of a buzzer or a ringer, in some models it goes off with a loud blast from a radio. These instant jolt or shock effect often leaves you anxious, agitated or depressed throughout the day. Such conditions are harmful to those suffering from SAD and insomnia.

Other than the advantage of inducing a natural and slow waking up or sleeping process, SAD alarm clocks provide other health benefits. Some of the benefits include:

• Promoting natural waking up pattern that is proven to minimize stress;


• Minimizing the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD);


• Helping avoid other sleeping disorders like insomnia;


• Invigorating the human body's natural biological system to wake up to natural light hence promoting the production of beneficial hormones;


• Proven effectiveness to help sleeping disorders of adults and children;


• Encouraging people to get out of bed with full energy and alertness;


• Helping adults achieve better mental concentration in a days work.

SAD alarm clocks come in a selection of models costumed to suit your needs and style. The most popular is the standard bedside lamp such as the Verilux Rise and Shine Natural clock. It comes with a trendy LED and control panel that is built into the base of the unit.

Whether it's "Good morning sunshine!" or "Sweet dreams!" you are trying to achieve the SAD alarm clocks is the ultimate solution. They can be purchased online from a few but select and reliable manufacturers like BioBrite, Verilux, Soleil, and NatureBright.