End Sleep Deprivation in your Super Busy Life

Super Busy Parents too often sacrifice sleep due to their busy lifestyle. Over time, this can result in sleep disorders. According to the Institute of Medicine, up to 75% of people with certain sleep disorders go undiagnosed. Many more are misdiagnosed. Fact is, seven out of every ten American women say they frequently experience a sleep problem.

I've read that women are more likely than men to experience sleep problems. Why??

Women tend to be the nurturers of their family and have more family responsibilities. Plus biological factors like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause contribute to the gap between men and women who experience sleep disorders.

Many symptoms may be signs of more serious sleep disorders. If you suspect you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, it is important to seek help from your doctor or a trained specialist. Watch for dizziness, headaches, lethargy, forgetfulness, and other key symptoms.

Dr. Carol Ash, DO, Medical Director of the Sleep for Life center in Hillsborough, NJ is frequently a guest expert on local and national media speaking about good sleep habits. Her sleep tips for someone with a behavioral type of disorder include:

• Maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on the weekends.
• Establish a restful bedtime routine, like soaking in a hot tub, listening to soothing music or reading a book.
• If you wake up in the middle of the night, don't watch the clock or toss and turn--try sitting and reading in another room. When you begin to feel sleepy, go back to bed.
• If you have racing thoughts at night, write them down and reflect on them in the morning.
• Avoid eating and exercising up to three hours before bedtime. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime.

These tips may not be easy to implement in your super busy life. But, if you are committed to making changes and getting more restful sleep, you need to take action and start making changes now!

Pleasant dreams!!

Yours truly,

Coach Natalie Gahrmann