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Sleep problems - the basics




Stages of sleep


During normal sleep, you move cyclically through these types and stages of sleep. But if your sleep is repeatedly interrupted and you are unable to progress normally through REM and NREM sleep, you may feel tired, fatigued, and have trouble concentrating and paying attention while awake. Sleepy individuals are more likely to have accidents while driving, as well as other types of accidents.

If you have trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, if you wake up too early or find it hard to wake up at all, or if you are exceptionally tired during the day, you may have one of the following sleep problems.

Circadian rhythm disorders

It is normal for people to sleep at night -- thanks not only to the conventions of the 'nine-to-five' working day, but also to the close interaction between our natural sleep and alertness rhythms, which are driven by an internal "clock.”




People who have insomnia don't feel as if they get enough sleep at night. They may have trouble getting to sleep or may wake up frequently during the night or early in the morning. Insomnia is a problem if it affects your daytime activities. Insomnia has many possible causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep habits, circadian rhythm disorders (such as jet lag), and taking certain medicines.



Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea occurs when the upper airway becomes completely or partially blocked, interrupting regular breathing for short periods of time - which then wakes you up. It can cause severe daytime sleepiness. Evidence shows that, left untreated, severe sleep apnoea may be associated with high blood pressure and risk of stroke and heart attack.

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