Sleep:What's Your Problem?
Health Journey
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Sleep News and Insights
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What You Need to Know
- Defining a Sleep Disorder
- Identify Your Problem: 5 Common Disorders
- Common Risk Factors
- How Much Sleep Do You Need?
- Quick Test: Do You Have Excessive Sleepiness?
- Medications That Can Trigger Sleep Problems
- When to Get Help
- Disorder or Deprivation? Try This 2-Week Experiment
- 8 Potential Sleep Saboteurs
- Are Sleep Problems Normal As We Get Older?
- Defining Your Daytime Symptoms: Sleepy vs. Tired
- What Insomnia Really Feels Like
- Parasomnias and Lesser Known Sleep Disorders
- Slideshow: Celebrity Sleep Secrets
- Financial Stress, Insomnia, and Sleeping Pills
- Printable List: 5 Warning Signs to Watch For
- Feng Shui For Your Bedroom
- Slideshow: Sleeping Pills and Holiday Habits
Video: Perspectives on Sleep Problems
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How Sleep WorksREM stages play a role in learning
( 1:55 ) -
Why We're DeprivedYou may not get by as well as you think
( 1:16 ) -
The No. 1 Sleep RuleGet the right amount at the right time
( 2:10 ) -
How to Spot a ProblemSleep needs to be restorative
( :40 )
SLIDESHOW
Celebrity Sleep Secrets, and What You Can Learn From Them
What you can learn from them
Celebrities lead fabulous lives—jetting across the country on a whim, partying at late-night hot spots—so it's no surprise that sleep may not always be a number-one priority... Read More
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sleep and Pregnancy: Questions About Heartburn, Drugs, Resting Comfortably, and More
Q: What can I do in the evening to ensure that I get some quality sleep?
A: "A bedtime routine is really important," says Mindell. "There should be 20 to 30 minutes when you're not checking your email, paying your bills, or arguing with your spouse. Taking a shower or reading a relaxing book helps your brain to slow down."
Additionally, drinking less in the evening may keep you in bed longer. "Cut back on fluids if you make multiple trips to the bathroom at night," she says. "Instead, drink more during the daytime." Read More
A: "A bedtime routine is really important," says Mindell. "There should be 20 to 30 minutes when you're not checking your email, paying your bills, or arguing with your spouse. Taking a shower or reading a relaxing book helps your brain to slow down."
Additionally, drinking less in the evening may keep you in bed longer. "Cut back on fluids if you make multiple trips to the bathroom at night," she says. "Instead, drink more during the daytime." Read More
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Advice from Carlos H. Schenck, MD, on Sleep Problems, Strange Behaviors, and When to See a Doctor
Dr. Carlos Schenck
Senior staff psychiatrist at the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center
Q: I don’t always sleep well. At what point should I see a sleep doctor?
A: As soon as your sleep problems begin interfering with your physiological or psychological functioning—or if your actions in sleep negatively affect the sleep of your bed partner. It’s always good to see your general practitioner first. A lot of medication can cause sleep issues, so altering your prescription can help. If the problem persists, you can get a reference to an accredited sleep center. Read More
A: As soon as your sleep problems begin interfering with your physiological or psychological functioning—or if your actions in sleep negatively affect the sleep of your bed partner. It’s always good to see your general practitioner first. A lot of medication can cause sleep issues, so altering your prescription can help. If the problem persists, you can get a reference to an accredited sleep center. Read More
Sleepy All the Time: What Sleep Apnea and Narcolepsy Feel Like
Dozing off at work after a full night's sleep isn't normal
With some sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or periodic limb movement disorder, patients may not realize why or even if their sleep is disturbed throughout the night. They might blame their frequent waking on another issue... Read More
What Not to Do at Bedtime: 6 Bad Behaviors That Can Steal Your Sleep
Letterman's top 10 list may be too stimulating for your mind to unwind
You know that drinking coffee before bedtime is asking for trouble. But you may not realize the other daily habits that could be ruining your good night's sleep.
Before you run to the doctor or start popping sleeping pills, check your routine for these possible sleep stealers... Read More
Before you run to the doctor or start popping sleeping pills, check your routine for these possible sleep stealers... Read More
ONLINE RESOURCES
Editors' Picks for the Best Websites About Sleep
- Site: National Sleep Foundation
- Who it's for: Anyone who sleeps
- Why we like it: The National Sleep Foundation is the ultimate authority and the best resource for tips, explanations, and anything dealing with sleep.
PRINT IT OUT
5 Warning Signs That You May Have a Sleep Disorder
- You sleep for eight hours and still wake up groggy and unrefreshed.Why this is important: During a normal sleep cycle, the body alternates between deep and light sleep that should leave you feeling awake and alert. If you're still sleepy after a full night in bed, chances are something is happening to prevent your body and brain from entering those deep, restorative levels of sleep.
