Given that we spend up to a third of our lives sleeping, we should ensure that we get a good night’s sleep by keeping good sleep habits. Those who don’t sleep well end up yawning during the day, being unable to concentrate on work or tasks at hand because the mind isn’t alert. More people suffer from insomnia, and other sleep problems than is reported because many are not aware that they are suffering from them. Sleep disorders are under-diagnosed because there is a lack of awareness.

While sleep disorders are caused by occupational hazards such as those who work shifts, sleep apnia and insomnia can affect just about anyone. Common symptoms of sleep apena are snoring and feeling sleepy throughout the day. Here are some tips on :

1. Keep regular sleep hours by going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday
2. Exercise regularly
3. Sleep at a comfortable room temperature
4. Keep the bedroom quiet when sleeping
5. Keep the bedroom dark enough to induce sleep
6. Take a hot shower before bed – an adjustable showerhead helps

What are some things that can prevent you from having a restful night’s sleep? Here are things that you should NOT do:

1. Exercise just before going to sleep
2. Stimulate your mind just before bedtime such as playing computer games
3. Have drinks that contain caffeine in the evening
4. Take over the counter sleeping pills without a doctors’ prescription
5. Consciously force yourself to sleep – you’ll only end up being more alert

If you think you have a sleep disorder, consult your doctor who will be able help you. Not taking sleep disorder symptoms seriously can endanger your life as you could end up with heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Sleep apnia can even cause deaths in severe cases.