Insomnia

If you often wake up tired and headachy, tend to chew out your co-workers before lunch, and are totally exhausted by mid-afternoon, you might have insomnia, or some other sleep disorder. An estimated 70 million Americans suffer from insomnia, which is the difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep for a variety of reasons. A myriad of sleep disorders exist, including sleep apnea, which is marked by excessive snoring and occurs when an individual repeatedly stops breathing during their sleep. Doctors say sleep apnea is more common among Black men. Women are more likely to lose sleep due to being awakened by children or issues stemming from menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

One recent medical study shows that sleeping disorders can lead to more life-threatening problems, such as heart disease, hypertension, heart failure and stroke. Before you reach for the potato chips late at night, know that sleep experts have found that sleeplessness can even cause obesity by disrupting hormones that regulate hunger and satiety.

If you are having sleep problems, consult your doctor. In the meantime, the National Sleep Foundation recommends some steps that adults (without medical problems) can take to help them get some much-needed shut-eye. They include maintaining regular sleep/wake hours; establishing a bedtime routine, such as taking a hot bath or listening to soothing music; creating a sleep-conducive environment that is comfortable for you; eating no more than two to three hours before bedtime; getting some exercise, preferably a few hours before you retire; not watching television while you're in the bed; and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and other stimulants during the hours near bedtime.

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