Traditional insomnia plagues millions of Americans; however, some are affected by another sleep issue, called maintenance insomnia. This problem is defined as frequent waking throughout the night with an inability to fall back asleep.
Most of the time, sufferers can encourage better sleep by improving their sleep hygiene. This term is used in reference to lifestyle habits which promote better sleep. The CDC suggests that all sorts of bad habits can contribute to maintenance insomnia, including:
- Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature
- Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from the bedroom
- Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime
- Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.
To avoid sleep problems, experts recommend that people practice better sleep hygiene by avoiding the above habits. That said, people who suffer from sleep apnea typically require a more aggressive strategy.
When Sleep Hygiene Isn’t Enough
Because it causes sufferers to stop breathing at different times throughout the night, sleep apnea promotes maintenance insomnia. If your sleeping problems are owed to sleep apnea, lifestyle changes aren’t likely to make much difference.
To get deep, restorative sleep on a regular basis, you will need an effective sleep apnea treatment, such as oral appliance therapy. To learn more, Contact Us or call (303) 691-0267 today. Don’t let sleep apnea keep you up at night; reach out and get the help you deserve.
