Sleep is what keeps our bodies going, along with food and oxygen. Without it, we can suffer a range of health problems. So missing out on sleep due to a number of sleep problems can have devastating effects on people's lives. You might simply feeling drowsy and tired during the day or suffer from full-on exhaustion. Either way, the effects of sleep deprivation are disrupting and dangerous to our health. So what can you do about some of the most common sleep-related problems and disorders?

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder where a person's breathing is suddenly stopped, preventing air from flowing in and out. The apnea wakes them from their sleep. These breathing stoppages can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes and can happen several times an hour. When the person stops breathing their oxygen levels drop, and this can affect the heart, brain and blood pressure. Sleep apnea is sometimes related to weight. Overweight people who experience it can lose weight to improve their health. To keep the person breathing during the night, their doctor often gives them a small machine. This machine continuously uses air to keep their upper airway open.

Snoring

Snoring is a problem that plagues many people and their families. It is often associated with sleep apnea. People everywhere find themselves desperate to find out how to stop snoring so that both they and their partners can get some valuable sleep. As with sleep apnea, losing weight can help to cut down on snoring. So can avoiding alcohol and other sedatives before you go to bed. Sleeping on your side or your front can also help you to stop snoring or lessen your snoring. You'll also find a range of products that help you open your airways to prevent snoring.



Photo by Timothy Krause

Insomnia

Insomnia is a disorder where you have persistent trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or doing both. Symptoms of insomnia include lying awake for a long time, only sleeping for short periods and being awake for the entire night. To be diagnosed with insomnia, you need to see a doctor. Your doctor might suggest that you participate in a sleep study to measure how much and how well you sleep. Insomnia has a range of different treatments, from changing your lifestyle to taking medication.

Jet Lag

People who regularly travel will be no strangers to jet lag. Jet lag occurs when you move between timezones and your body needs to adjust. When you travel west, you tend to get tired too early and wake up too early. Whereas when you travel east you have trouble falling asleep and sleep too late. Travelling west is usually easier. To help avoid jet lag you can start adjusting your sleep schedule before you leave for your trip. You can also avoid alcohol and caffeine, exercise and keep well-hydrated.

If your sleep problem is drastically affecting your sleep and your waking hours, you should see a doctor. Being exhausted during the day can be dangerous to both you and others.