This is the name by which the disorder of not being able to go to sleep or stay asleep through the night is called. It is a natural occurrence in women who are experiencing menopause due to the imbalance in oestrogen and progesterone levels, and in young women with premenstrual syndrome for the same reason. In addition, low or high thyroid hormone can interfere with deep REM sleeps, as well as deficiencies in testosterone and growth hormone experienced by senior citizens.

It is common knowledge that before the use of electric lighting, many persons had about nine hours of sleep per night, but now it’s about seven or much less due to the availability and accessibility of the many technological distractions called entertainment. This sleep deficiency is resulting in a suppressed immune system and libido, decreased productivity, and disorders like depression, chronic fatigue, heart disease, and headaches.

Sleep apnea, a condition in which a person repeatedly stops breathing during the night and wakes with a start catching his or her breath, is an offshoot of this. Two things that happen as a result are that there is a significant drop in the blood’s oxygen and severe sleep deprivation. Sufferers are encouraged to us a CPAP machine which involves a mask that is kept over the face during sleep and the pressure is kept constant in the airways so that it does not collapse.

At-A-Glance
Causes: these can occurs due to alcohol, sugar, breathing disorders, indigestion, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, aging, lack of exercise, stress and anxiety, hormonal changes such as menopause, restless leg syndrome, and stimulants such as caffeine.

Treatment: most people with insomnia would benefit from a massage with relaxing essential oils like lavender, neroli, or chamomile, or a combination. They should also invest in good mattress and pillows and have several covers available to suit the various night time temperatures.

Prevention: avoid sugar and sugary foods after lunchtime, alcohol which disrupts the deep, late-night sleep that is crucial to rest, and monitor caffeine products.