Sleep and Insomnia

Many people have trouble with sleep and insomnia. If you are one of the few people who can enjoy great nights of sleep, congratulations. You should enjoy your sleep and wonderful dreams. Dreams can be a wonderful way to transform yourself. Learn how you can use your dreams for personal growth and transformation.

If you are not so lucky, keep reading. There are several sleeping disorders that affect people of all ages. Depending on your symptoms and the extent of your sleep problems, there might be something you can do in the comfort of your home to relax and finally get the sleep you deserve.

Sleep and Insomnia: Some Definitions

Before you can solve your sleep problems, it would be helpful to define a few things.

Sleep. Sleep is a complex physiological and psychological process that is meant to leave you feeling restored, both mentally and physically.

Insomnia. Insomnia is a disruption of your sleep pattern. For some people, insomnia manifests itself as having difficulty falling asleep, for others, insomnia may be more about having difficulty staying asleep. For some other even unluckier people, it's both.

Circadian Rhythm. Your circadian rhythm is like your biological clock that is set by daylight. Learn more about your sleep wake cycle.

Stages of Sleep

There are four major sleep stages.

1. Hypnogogic State. This stage happens during the transition from the time you are awake to the time you are asleep. Your mind and emotions slow down as your body gets ready for sleep. At the end of this stage, you may experience some leg jerking, but this is totally normal.

2. Light Sleep. This stage is a preparation for your body to enter deep sleep. Your muscles relax and your body temperature drops slightly.

3. & 4. Deep Sleep. These deep sleep stages are composed alternating of Delta State and Rapid Eye Movement (REM)States. REM occurs every 90 minutes or so and each REM period increases in length from the first REM lasting about 5 minutes to the last one of the night lasting from 30 to 60 minutes. REM is when dreams occur.

Causes of Insomnia

There are various causes of insomnia but most of them can be classified into the following four categories.

Sleep Hygiene

Lifestyle Choices

Psychological Stress

Medical Illnesses

Sleep and insomnia are complex issues but if you would like to try an herbal insomnia remedy, you can check out this page.

Other Natural Cures for Insomnia

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