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10 Reasons You May Not be Sleeping Well
(and What to Do About It)
by www.SixWise.com


The majority of Americans (seven out of 10) experience sleep problems frequently, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Among them:

sleep problems

Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night, though the ideal number of hours can vary anywhere from six to 10 hours a night, depending on the individual.

  • 70 million Americans are affected by a sleep problem

  • 40 million suffer from chronic sleep disorders

  • 20-30 million have intermittent sleep-related problems

Why do we need sleep? A good night's sleep is necessary for physical and mental well-being. Don't get enough of it and you risk the immediately obvious impacts of being irritable and having trouble concentrating and making decisions. Don't get enough of it over time and you risk even more serious consequences including:

  • An increased risk of diabetes

  • Accelerated aging

  • An increased risk of cancer

  • An increased risk of psychological problems

Lack of sleep clearly does not come without a price. Sleep deprivation and disorders are estimated to cost over $100 billion each year in lost productivity, sick leave, medical expenses, and damages to property and the environment, according to NSF.

Also at stake is your driving ability. Sleep deprivation is involved in 100,000 vehicle accidents -- and 1,500 related deaths -- every year.

Why Aren't YOU Sleeping Well?

There are as many causes of sleep problems as there are proverbial sheep to count, however some triggers are much more common than others. Here we've compiled some very likely reasons why YOU may not be sleeping as well as you should be.

1. Stress

This is the number-one cause of sleep problems, according to sleep experts. It, of course, can stem from any number of situations (school or work anxiety, relationship difficulties, a chronic illness in the family, etc.).

2. Exercising right before bedtime.

Regular exercise will help you to get a good night's sleep, but do it too close to bedtime and you may be too revved up to sleep.

3. Drinking alcohol or caffeine.

Both of these beverages can interfere with your dreams of quality sleep, particularly if you drink them in the afternoon or evening.

4. Following an erratic schedule.

If you wake up and go to sleep at drastically different times each day (students are infamous for this) you could be inadvertently throwing off your body's natural sleep/wake cycle. When it comes to sleeping, your body prefers a set schedule.

Others at risk are the 17 percent of U.S. employees who are shift workers. This schedule forces you to stay awake during the night when your body thinks it should be asleep (then makes it difficult to sleep during the day, when you would normally be awake).

5. Working before bed.

Similar to exercise, if you work or do other mentally trying activities too close to bedtime, you may have a hard time relaxing for sleep.

Falling Asleep Has Never Been so Easy!

That's what you'll say once you listen to the Sleep Easy CD: Guided Meditations for Deep Rest.

Sleep Easy CDThe soothing voice and music on this CD create a restful oasis in which to relax and fall asleep. It also helps calm the overly busy mind, soothe the emotions, and relax the body.

Sleep Easy CD users have reported:

  • Falling asleep faster
  • Waking up less throughout the night
  • Falling back to sleep faster when awakened during the night
  • Feeling more rested the next morning

Find out more about the Sleep Easy CD, including how you can get FREE SHIPPING for a Limited Time Now!

6. Physical problems.

If you are not healthy physically, it can drastically interfere with your sleep. Common culprits are pain (from arthritis, back pain, etc.), sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, PMS and menopause. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can also cause sleep problems.

7. Your sleeping partner.

Does your partner snore? Move around in bed a lot? Wake up in the middle of the night? If your partner isn't a sound sleeper, there's a good chance you won't be either.

8. Your sleeping environment.

Similarly, a mattress that's uncomfortable, a room that's too hot, a bed that's too small, or kids and pets that barge in during the night can all interfere with your sleep. If your sleeping environment is not conducive to sleep, try the Sleep Easy CD. With guided sleep meditations by a leading meditation expert (and contributing editor to SixWise.com) and music by a renowned meditation music composer with 20 years experience, this CD will help you find deep rest and sleep in just minutes every night.

9. Jet lag.

If you travel a lot, for work or pleasure, just sleeping in a strange environment and on a different schedule can cause problems. However, if you travel across different time zones, the jet lag can make it even harder to sleep well.

sleep problems

If you frequently toss and turn or wake up with aches and pains, it may be time to get a new mattress that feels comfortable to you.

10. Medication.

Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs -- such as steroids, decongestants and drugs for high blood pressure, depression and asthma -- can keep you up at night.

How Can You Get a Decent Night's Sleep?

And now for the answer to the burning question. If you want to get high-quality sleep, and plenty of it, here are the top tips to follow:

  • Reduce stress in your life.

  • Follow a regular exercise program, but refrain from working out at within three hours of your bedtime.

  • Don't drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages near your bedtime.

  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This can include a warm bath, a foot massage, stretching, or listening to the Sleep Easy CD.

  • Keep to a regular schedule that includes a standard time to go to sleep and wake up.

  • Make your room "sleepable." A very dark, cool room is best for sleep. You should also consider upgrading your mattress so that you feel completely comfortable and relaxed.

Recommended Reading

Why Do We Need to Sleep? The Latest Fascinating Theories on This Mystery Phenomenon

If You Want to Sleep Better & Improve Your Brainpower, Try Music!


Sources

National Sleep Foundation

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