Have you been tossing and turning and wondering if you will ever fall asleep? You are not alone—over the course of a year, about 17% of adults experience insomnia. It is also more common in older people. Learn why sleep is so important and what you can do to get some.
During sleep, the body repairs itself and revitalizes organs and muscles. In addition, sleep is important for proper functioning of the immune system and the nervous system. Lack of sleep can result in:
Remember that, in some cases, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea can cause poor sleep quality. Talk to your doctor to find the underlying cause of your sleep problems.
RESOURCES:
National Institute on Aging
http://www.nia.nih.gov/
National Sleep Foundation
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Better Sleep Council Canada
http://www.bettersleep.ca/
The Canadian Sleep Society
http://www.css.to/
References:
Can't sleep? What to know about insomnia. National Sleep Foundation website. Available at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/insomnia-and-sleep. Accessed April 13, 2010.
Healthy sleep tips. National Sleep Foundation website. Available at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org . Accessed February 27, 2006.
Insomnia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated April 2010. Accessed April 13, 2010.
Insomnia: frequently asked questions. Women's Health.gov website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/insomnia.cfm. Updated February 2010. Accessed April 13, 2010.
Melatonin. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=114. Updated February 2010. Accessed April 13, 2010.
What is insomnia? National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nih.gov . Updated Accessed November 2006. Accessed June 16, 2008.
Last reviewed April 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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