SOMETIMES in life we take things for granted. We often overlook the small details and necessities for a healthy lifestyle. This includes things like sleep and getting enough rest every day. Unfortunately, we live in such a fast-paced world, and everything relies on us being awake, alert and ready to be on the go for most of the day. With that in mind, we must be prepared for all that comes with a hectic and unpredictable day. Getting enough sleep can be very useful.

We often don’t associate our high stress levels or inability to function effectively with the amount of sleep we get, but we should. While sleep is a human necessity, it may not always be natural for each of us to do.
It’s not always as simple as putting your head on your pillows, closing your eyes and dozing off. Some people suffer from sleep disorders or disturbances. They can be described as people having problems or difficulties with their sleep quality, amount, or timing.

Problems with sleep can be linked to health issues, which can be either physical or mental. Certain physical ailments like diabetes can be linked to sleep disturbances and certain mental health conditions such as depression can also be linked to sleep disturbances. According to the National Sleep Foundation (US), a human needs 7-9 hours of sleep daily. Without enough sleep, we can also have even more difficulties in our daytime routines.

The lack of sleep can alter your mood, affect your ability to make decisions, affect your ability to perform at work or home or even contribute to the detriment of your health (physical or mental). Most people are familiar with insomnia because it is perhaps the most common form of sleep disturbance. However, it is not the only type of sleep disturbance. Insomnia is an ongoing issue with falling asleep or remaining asleep. There is also sleep apnea.

This can be described as a breathing disorder that can disrupt the flow of breathing during sleep. This can be pinpointed when people snore loudly in their sleep or when they wake up feeling choked or suffocated. Another common type of sleep disturbance is narcolepsy. This is when a person still feels very tired even after getting full sleep. They can also have random “sleep attacks” during the day.

I shared these few examples so you can understand that the topic is wide. There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. However, the best thing you can do is to seek professional medical help. You can also try personal care options such as using melatonin supplements, making better dietary choices such as limiting sugar intake, creating a good sleep environment or even doing breathing exercises. I hope this article helps you to understand that the lack of sleep should not be romanticized. Our body cannot function without it, and if you notice that you have a sleep disturbance, seek the help you need so you can start “catching Zzz’s” and maintain a healthier lifestyle.