Why we need sleep?
Sleep is an important element for a happy, healthy life, yet is often overlooked and undervalued in our busy society. Seventy million people suffer from chronic, severe sleep disorders in the United States alone. That means nearly one of every four Americans has a sleep problem. If you have any issues related to sleep whether due to non-restorative sleep, sleeping too much, excessive daytime sleepiness (falling asleep at inappropriate times), difficulty falling or staying asleep, or abnormal behaviors associated with sleep, it could be a sign that you have a sleep disorder.
Sleep Disorders
If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, it is important to seek the expert opinion of your physician and/or a sleep specialist.
Insomnia (inability to sleep) often results from poor sleep habits, such as an over stimulating nighttime routine, or consuming too much alcohol or caffeine near bedtime. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, steroids, and allergy and cold products can also bring on bouts of insomnia.
In many people, insomnia is caused or made worse by a psychiatric or medical condition. For example, insomnia is a common symptom of many psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It may also arise from painful or uncomfortable medical conditions, such as arthritis, or those that affect breathing, such as asthma.
Having a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation helps in identifying the issues and can lead to better and in time treatment to address these issues.