What's Stopping You Sleep?

A good night's sleep is more than a luxury. Sleep is as important to survival as food and water. On too little, we humans don't function well--for example, we run a higher risk of accidents, we sometimes perform poorly at work or school, and our moods can turn sour.

A sleepless night or two isn't a medical emergency. However, if difficulties persist, a sleep disorder may be involved. People with sleep disorders may have difficulty falling or staying asleep or waking up in the morning, fall asleep at inappropriate times, sleep too much, or show unusual behaviors during sleep. Important new research, including studies supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has linked lack of sleep with obesity, diabetes, and other related conditions.

Types and Causes of Sleep Disorders

Sleep problems can start with a sudden event. For example, a job loss can lead to nighttime worries, which in turn can lead to trouble sleeping. When a sleep problem occurs without another identified disease or condition, it is referred to as a primary sleep disorder. However, in many cases, sleep disorders are associated with other causes.

Some circumstances and illnesses that can lead to sleep problems are as follows:

Because of lifestyles or work schedules, sleep just isn't a priority for some people. Stress from hectic schedules can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.

The body's internal clock programs people to feel sleepy during the nighttime and to be active during daylight hours. When that clock goes off-kilter, sleep becomes difficult. For example, travellers who fly across multiple time zones quickly get "jet lag" because they cannot maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule.

People who work at night and try to sleep during the day are constantly fighting their internal clocks. This puts them at risk for disturbed sleep. Without adequate rest, they are more likely to make errors or have accidents at work.

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