Sleep Hygiene
Sleep Patterns ~
Everyone has a unique sleeping pattern. Some adults need 10 hours a night. Other adults need only 5 hours a night. Many people function best with approximately 8 hours of sleep. Your requirement for sleep is unique. What is effective for your husband, your wife, or your friends is not what may be helpful to you. If you need only 5 hours of sleep a night, do not worry about it, and do not try to force longer sleeping hours. Instead, learn to use your extra waking hours for something you would like to do or get done.
Quantity and Quality ~
Everyone’s sleep needs change. The amount and quality of sleep varies in the course of each person’s life.
Symptom of a Medical Problem ~
Sleeping problems may signal a medical condition such as anxiety, depression, and other disorders. It is important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of a chronic sleep disturbance.
Sleeping Medications ~
Sleeping pills may be of some benefits, but chronic (nightly) use of sleeping pills may actually hinder good sleep. Natural sleep is the best sleep.
Sleeping medications should be used with caution and only upon the advise of a physician. If you doctor prescribes a sleep medication, ask for clear directions and information about the particular drug you are to take. Sleep medications should be used only for the short-term management of a sleep complaint. Do not self-medicate or increase the dosage yourself. If you feel that your medication is losing its effect, report this to your doctor.
Although alcohol may help to induce sleep, the chronic use of larger quantities of alcohol causes disturbed sleep and dependency.
