We are in the middle of an insomnia epidemic. Anyone who’s been there knows how debilitating it can be. Not only does sleep deprivation impact your waking energy levels, sleep deprivation can also lead to changes in your diet and lifestyle, as well as increased stress levels, experts say. . In the long term, it is associated with health problems ranging from heart disease and high blood pressure to depression and diabetes.
Some may be wise to turn to medical experts for answers, but most people turn to Google these days. Here, Bed Her Kingdom sleep expert Ashley Hainsworth shares and answers her most Googled sleep-related questions of the past year.
How can I fall asleep faster?
With an average of 215,000 monthly searches worldwide for the answer to this question, it seems we’re all on a quest to uncover the secret to leaving the job fast. It’s all about working with the sleep hormone, melatonin, rather than fighting it, says Hainsworth.
“Melatonin, which is secreted by the pineal gland, is affected by irregular sleep patterns. Waking up and falling asleep at different times can disrupt the circadian rhythm, also known as the body clock. Rhythm regulates the release of melatonin, so if your sleep-wake cycle isn’t consistent, your body won’t know when to release the hormone.” The key is to do it at the same time every day, weekend or not. This means going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time.
Other factors that affect melatonin include screens, so avoid screen use for at least an hour before bed. Darkening the room promotes the production of melatonin, so be sure to have blackout blinds if you have trouble falling out.
How much sleep do you need?
With an average of 105,000 global searches per month, the answer to this question depends on many factors, including age and health level. A newborn needs to sleep more hours than he is awake, but for a 13-18 year old he needs 8-10 hours. “Adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night,” says Hainsworth. “As you get older, your sleep patterns change, so you need more sleep. It’s common.” If you’re sick, you’ll also need more sleep.
What is sleep paralysis?
“Sleep paralysis is a condition that occurs when REM sleep is disrupted,” says Hainsworth of the question, which attracts 90,000 monthly searches worldwide. “It usually occurs when you wake up or fall asleep. It’s harmless, and some people will experience it only once or twice in their lifetime.” It’s a feeling. They may feel unable to move, speak, or open their eyes, which is very disturbing.
why can’t i sleep?
With 89,900 frustrating searches per month, the answer to this question is, of course, subjective. “Doctors need to diagnose people who suffer from insomnia, but there are several big reasons why many people have trouble sleeping,” says Hainsworth. “These include stress and anxiety, as well as caffeine and alcohol intake. You should stop.Caffeine intake should be avoided later in the day.”
What is sleep apnea?
“Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing stops and starts during sleep. It can be serious if not diagnosed and treated,” says Hainsworth. “Symptoms include gasping, snoring, choking sounds, loud snoring, and frequent awakenings during the night.” can be plagued by If you’re one of the tens of thousands of people who google this problem every month and you’re worried you might have this disorder, be sure to see a medical professional. If necessary, we can refer you to a specialized sleep clinic for testing.
This article first appeared on www.vogue.co.uk
Also read:
How to sleep better: 4 best strategies according to experts
Try Neuroscientist’s Top Tips for Better Sleep
Are you suffering from insomnia?Here are 6 ways to get better sleep
https://www.vogue.in/content/5-of-the-most-googled-questions-about-sleep-answered-by-an-expert
