A good night’s rest can make all the difference between a good day and a great day. It can also mean a bad and grumpy day. So it’s no surprise to hear that the Internet’s most googled question relating to sleep is, “How can I fall asleep faster?”. Sleep is one of the most fundamental things a human needs, yet many of us struggle to get proper quality sleep. Sleep replenishes your body’s energy levels, helps regulate your emotions, and contributes to overall mental health. Here we will get all your sleep questions answered through research by bedkingdom.co.uk.
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How can I fall asleep faster?
This is the sleep question that received 215,000 google searches worldwide. Melatonin is a key to sleep; it is the hormone secreted by the pineal gland, and a lack of melatonin is one likely reason you cannot fall asleep quickly.
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Melatonin is affected by an inconsistent sleeping pattern. Our circadian rhythm regulates the release of melatonin the sleep hormone. So without a consistent sleep-wake cycle, the body will be confused and not know when to release the hormone. Melatonin is also affected by light sources, including TVs, phones, and tablets; therefore, you should avoid using these devices before you sleep.
How much sleep do you need?
This question received over 105,000 global searches monthly. The amount of sleep an individual requires depends on their age, health conditions, and previous sleep quality. Adults require a minimum of seven hours of sleep a night. Moreover, the older you become, the more hours of sleep you will need because your sleeping pattern can change. It is common for older adults to sleep more lightly. Furthermore, they may have trouble falling asleep or waking up multiple times in the night. In addition, those ill with a cold or flu will require at least 7-9 hours of sleep, which can help the body go into repair mode.
What is sleep paralysis?
This was googled globally 90,900 times per month. Sleep paralysis is a condition that occurs when rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep is disrupted. This typically occurs when one is waking up or falling asleep. It is harmless, and some people will only experience it once or twice in their lifetime. Numerous things can happen during sleep paralysis, but the most common thing is the paralyzed feeling where you cannot move, speak or even open your eyes.
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The exact cause of sleep paralysis remains uncertain. Although associated with factors such as insomnia, narcolepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and irregular sleep patterns. One potential way to reduce the occurrence of sleep paralysis is by enhancing your sleep practices. This includes ensuring you receive at least seven hours of sleep each night, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and engaging in regular physical exercise.
See Also: How physical exercise improves with men’s mental health
Why can’t I sleep?
Searched 89,900 times globally in a month period. The answer to this is subjective and may vary for each individual. A proper diagnosis would have to come from a physician as insomnia and other sleep issues have unique causes.
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One likely reason is stress and anxiety, which can result in poor sleep. Numerous factors can contribute to someone feeling anxious, including work stress or the consumption of caffeine or alcohol. If you are consuming alcohol frequently and interfering with your sleep, this should be reduced or stopped. Any caffeine consumption should not be had later in the day.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts while you sleep, and it can be severe if not diagnosed or treated. Symptoms include gasping, snorting, choking noises, loud snoring, and waking up often through the night. Those with sleep apnea may feel tired and have headaches or mood swings during the day. If you think you have sleep apnea, you must see a GP, who will refer you to a specialist sleep clinic for tests. Sleep apnea is often treated by a CPAP Machine, where a mask is worn overnight that pumps air into your mouth or nose while you sleep.
Bed Kingdom Experts
Lastly, in reviewing the study the experts at Bed Kingdom say: “Unfortunately, sleep issues and disorders are becoming more and more common due to people leading more stressful lifestyles. Inadequate sleep over time increases risk of chronic health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Therefore, having a night-time routine and getting adequate sleep every night is essential for leading a healthy lifestyle.”
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Feature image by Nubelson Fernandes
