Many people suffer from sleep disorders. The most common types include sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome. If you know someone who is suffering from a sleep disorder, here are a few ways you can help help her cope with it.
Instructions
1. In order to properly help someone with a sleep disorder, you should try to help him determine what is causing the problem. The most common reasons for sleep disorders include stress, anxiety, depression, illness, poor sleep hygiene, certain medications, unhealthy eating habits and products such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.
2. Be sure to tell your friend, relative or spouse to record all sleep-related information in her diary--including the time she goes to bed and wakes up, what she eats and drinks before going to bed, how many time she wakes up during the night, her mood before she goes to bed, activities she engages in before bedtime and how she feels when she wakes up in the morning. She should keep this diary for at least two weeks so she has adequate information to give her doctor about her sleep habits.
3. Observe your loved one while he sleeps. Spend some time monitoring his sleep habits and behavior. Be sure to take note of any unusual activities, such as sleepwalking, excessive body movements or tossing in the bed.
4. Recommend that she visit her doctor for a check-up. Since sleep disorders are often caused by a medical condition, it is best for the sufferer to undergo a health evaluation and physical examination. Make sure she takes her sleep diary with her to her appointment.
5. Assist your loved one in coping with the sleep disorder. Once he knows the reason for it, you can help him treat his problem. For example, if stress or anxiety is behind the sleep disorder, you can teach him some relaxation techniques, like meditation or yoga. Or perhaps he needs help establishing a proper bedtime schedule or improving his daytime habits. His doctor can also suggest some proper treatment options for the disorder.
6. Encourage your friend to follow a healthy diet plan and exercise routine. Eating healthy is good for the body, and it also helps you sleep well. So make sure she eats plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains, and help her avoid consuming a lot of sugar, sodium and foods that are high in carbohydrates or saturated fat. Also, assist her in developing an appropriate exercise program, which may include activities like walking, aerobics, biking, swimming, dancing or playing tennis.
Tags: sleep disorder, sleep disorders, from sleep, most common, sleep habits, stress anxiety