Crone's Corner - Trouble Counting Sheep?
Insomnia is a relatively common sleep disorder, affecting about one-third of the adult population worldwide. Insomnia can cause severe sleeplessness and is more common in women, but the quality of sleep decreases equally in both women and men as we age.
Typical symptoms of insomnia include problems falling asleep, waking up frequently in the night with difficulty falling back to sleep, waking too early in the morning, and feeling unrefreshed when waking in the morning.
The causes of insomnia are varied. Noise, temperature changes, medication side effects, jet lag, and a change in surroundings can all cause insomnia, as can PMS, menopause, menstruation, or pregnancy.
If you suffer from insomnia, try to stick to a routine at bedtime, and go to bed at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine and nicotine before bedtime, and get plenty of exercise during the day. A dark room free of noise may also help-consider buying a "white noise" device if your bedroom is noisy. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.