Getting
enough sleep is a constant problem in the modern world. Most of us
find it hard to even get enough time to lie down for the recommended
seven to eight hours a night. If, on top of that, you find yourself
dealing with noise,
bed
bug bites, or other things that reduce your ability to
spend that valuable time actually sleeping, then red eyes and lowered
productivity are the result. Some people even think they are getting
enough sleep when they actually aren't.
Some victims of
insomnia are afraid to go to a doctor, having heard one too many
horror stories about people becoming addicted to sleeping pills. Even
some
natural
sleep aids, such as valerian, can be addictive. However,
there are definite answers.
First of all, if you are tired all
the time and snore, you may be a victim of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea
is worse than regular snoring, because the patient actually stops
breathing for brief periods. They then tend to wake up and start
breathing again, sometimes many times a night. Often, the victim
isn't aware of these, although their partner may be entirely too much
so. Sleep apnea solutions are out there that can help both you and
your partner get a good night's sleep. Not all of them are as bulky
as the typical CPAP machine. There are newer solutions that are
cheaper and do not themselves create noise. For some people,
sleep
apnea solutions can be as simple as a breathing
strip.
Having the right bed is another important factor. Sleep
number beds are amongst the best because they allow both partners to
adjust the mattress firmness to their own desires and needs. If
sleep
number beds are too expensive, at least make sure you have
a comfortable mattress in good condition.
Bed bugs have been a
high profile issue lately, with people staying in reputable hotels in
major tourist destinations such as New York finding bed bug bites
when they wake up. A good exterminator will tell you how to get rid
of these little pests.
Finally, there are quite a few natural
sleep aids that are not addictive. For some people, ear plugs work
well. If that fails, try a white noise generator that blocks out
other sounds. Constant sound does not wake people up the way sudden,
loud noises do. On the herbal remedy front, chamomile and catnip are
both mild sleep inducers that can be drunk as teas and do not have a
narcotic effect.