Sleep is essential to the body's existence. Sometimes we enjoy it to the fullest, sometimes it's just a means to an end. But what if you want to fall asleep and it just won't work?
Everyone knows the problem of going to bed knowing that they have to get up very early the next day and therefore urgently need to sleep. But sometimes the thoughts circle their rounds without giving rest. Occasional sleep problems are normal, but when it happens so frequently that you feel so tired and drained every day that you can hardly go about your daily activities, experts speak of sleep disorders, technically called insomnia. Sleep disorders can manifest themselves in different ways and everyone experiences these problems differently. The symptoms of a sleep disorder include a long period of time before falling asleep, waking up frequently and lying awake for long periods of time, or waking up too early without thinking about being able to fall asleep again.
Sleep disorders can have physical, but above all psychological causes. For example, anyone suffering from asthma, diabetes or a thyroid disease can be plagued by sleep disorders. For many, depression or depressive disorders, worries and stress in life, or a drastic experience such as a divorce are the cause of a sleep disorder. This can have dangerous effects on health. A cardiac insufficiency, a stroke or a heart attack can occur.
But what can you do for a healthy and restful sleep? A first tip includes well-known relaxation techniques such as meditation to be able to shut down body and mind. Certain natural remedies such as the medicinal plants lavender, valerian or lemon balm can also help. More far-reaching treatments are, for example, sleeping pills or antidepressants. However, you should urgently seek medical advice in this case.
Citation
- NDR (26.01.2022): Schlafstörungen: Warum gesunder Schlaf so wichtig ist. Abgerufen am 28.02.22. https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/Schlafstoerungen-Warum-gesunder-Schlaf-so-wichtig-ist,schlafen146.html.
- Gesundheitsinformation.de (06.10.22): Schlafprobleme und Schlafstörungen (Insomnie). Abgerufen am 28.02.22. https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/schlafprobleme-und-schlafstoerungen-insomnie.html.