Sleep is highly important for our health and well-being, yet many people find it to be the hardest part of the day to handle. With so many new stimulants affecting our lives each day, our minds and bodies fight to keep up with the constant spin of the world. This task is made even more difficult when a sleep disorder is present. An estimated 70 million people in the US alone suffer some form of a sleep disorder, either long-term or temporary.

There are several sleep disorders known today, including sleep apnea, insomnia, RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome), and narcolepsy. Some disorders, such as insomnia, are often self-treatable by simply changing your daily routine and diet. Others, such as narcolepsy and RLS require professional help and possibly medication as well. Here we will discuss disorders that can be self-treated in simple steps.

• Several common signs of the existence of a sleep disorder include:
• Feeling irritable or sleepy throughout the day
• Having difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television or reading
• Falling asleep or feeling very tired while driving
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Often being told by others that you look tired
• Reacting slowly to stimuli
• Having difficulty in controlling your emotions
• Feeling as though you must take a nap everyday
• The inability to make it through the day without caffeinated drinks or energy filled snacks

Insomnia is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders known today. Anyone can be affected by this condition, ranging from the inability to go to sleep to not being able to sleep through the night. Insomnia is often combated by adjusting daily routines and a healthier portion of diet and exercise, though for some professional assistance can become necessary.

Some common symptoms of insomnia include:

• Difficulty falling asleep at night or getting back to sleep after waking during the night
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Your sleep is light, fragmented, or unrefreshing
• You need to take something (sleeping pills, alcohol, or supplements) in order to get to sleep or back to sleep
• Sleepiness and low energy throughout the day

Insomnia is often self-treated. Self-treatment of this disorder generally requires the treatment of an under-lying cause. RLS, narcolepsy, and stress are highly influential causes and must be treated in order to aid in treating the insomnia itself. In some cases, a simple adjustment to diet is necessary. For example, people who drink large amounts of caffeine throughout the day may find themselves unable to get to sleep at night. Simply cutting back on or removing the caffeine altogether will often create a large improvement in sleep.