Sleep Well

Dr. Alan Haber, Director of the Sleep Laboratory at Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia defines insomnia as “difficulty falling asleep (sleep-onset insomnia) or maintaining sleep (sleep-maintenance insomnia) associated with impairment of daytime function.” The average adult needs about 8 hours of sleep each night. Not getting enough can result in irritability, inattentiveness and problems with memory.

The causes of insomnia are almost countless, but most often it is caused by depression or anxiety brought on by problems such as family illness or financial stress. Next most common is a type of performance anxiety when it comes to sleeping. “Simply stated, the fear of sleeplessness causes these individuals to become increasingly stressed as nighttime approaches, and they become chronically unable to relax sufficiently to allow sleep onset at night.” explains Dr. Haber. The third most common cause is associated with medical disorders, such as asthma or acid reflux. 

Studies have shown that women are much more likely to experience difficulty sleeping than men, although the exact reasons are not clear. It may be that women are simply more likely to report the problem to their physician. Hormonal fluctuations may also be a factor. “In particular, falling estrogen and progesterone levels are thought to contribute to premenstrual- and menopause-associated sleep disruption.” Anxiety and depression are seen much more often in women, and they can lead to insomnia as well. Since mothers are usually responsible for nighttime feedings, they can develop a pattern of sleep disruption which can last well past their baby’s infancy.

According to Dr. Haber there are some things that you can do to get a better night’s sleep and win the battle against insomnia. Here are some suggestions: