What's Stealing Your Dreams?
Insomnia Causes "Dream Deficit"

Dream deficit is a term used by many sleep experts to describe the lack of rapid eye movement during sleep, also known as REM. Your dreaming takes place in REM sleep.

Lack of sleep can be very frustrating, and it can also lead to serious issues with your health, emotions, daily activities and relationships.

It is estimated that 40 million Americans suffer from insomnia.

Insomnia Causes

These variables can contribute to insomnia.

• Drinking alcohol - Initially alcohol can make you fall asleep quickly, but it can disrupt sleep cycles later.

• Smoking tobacco - Nicotine is a neurostimulant and can cause sleep disorders.

• Drinking caffeine - Caffeine is a stimulant and can hinder your ability to fall asleep, especially if drank in the afternoon or evening.

• Eating heavy meals too close to bedtime

• Eating foods that contain tyramine before bedtime - Tyramine increases the release of norepinephrine which is a brain stimulant. A few of these include: bacon, cheese, chocolate, spinach, tomatoes, wine, ham, eggplant, potatoes, sauerkraut, sausage and sugar.

• Some medications like antidepressants, appetite suppressants, high blood pressure and heart medications, decongestants and thyroid hormone replacement drugs

• Exercising too close to bedtime - Exercise is a natural stimulant.

• Improper eating and a lack of nutrients in the diet

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Stress, anxiety, depression and emotional distress

• Change in routine or habits

• Systemic disorders of the brain, digestive system, endocrine system, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and or pancreas

• Excess weight

• Sleep apnea

If you are struggling to get adequate sleep, realize that prolonged lack of sleep can lead to perfomance decline and emotional and psychological disorders. Thus, it's important to take steps to get plenty of sleep.

Every individual has different sleep needs. Some people can function perfectly on five to six hours of sleep, while other people may need eight to ten hours of sleep. Growing children typically require more sleep than adults.

If you wake up easily in the morning and can make it through the day without feeling groggy or depleted, you are probably getting plenty of sleep.

Remember, "getting by" is not the best slogan to live by when it comes to your sleep. Be aware of the variables mentioned and take positive changes to improve the quality of your sleep.

12 Natural Sleep Aids to Help You Go to Sleep Easily and Soundly

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