Translation of the French article published on the ASNFD website. The statements and perspective of the source text have been retained.
Efforts to combat sleep deprivation have developed over recent years. Insomnia affects increasing numbers of people in modern society and can have considerable health consequences. What solutions can overcome it? How can we get to sleep?
Understand the causes to find an appropriate solution
Like other problems, sleep difficulties arise for particular reasons. Identifying the main causes as soon as possible is essential to tackling insomnia effectively.
- Stress is presented as the main cause of sleep deprivation. A stressed person is restless and nervous. Without initially noticing, they may find it progressively harder to sleep. In extreme cases this can lead to a nervous breakdown, highlighting the importance of effective treatment.
- Sleep apnoea causes interrupted sleep. The source text describes its origin as not yet precisely established.
- Poor sleeping or eating habits.
- Restless legs syndrome can also cause disturbed and interrupted sleep.
Tips for tackling insomnia
Despite the extent and severity of sleep problems, there are ways to address them. The following suggestions are listed:
- Keep regular sleeping hours.
- Avoid stimulating foods or products such as coffee and chilli, especially before bedtime.
- Limit naps to 30 minutes.
- Avoid very bright lamps in the bedroom.
- Use natural products such as essential oils.
- Sleep in a quiet room away from noise.
If problems persist, consulting a specialist is strongly recommended to help you fall asleep more easily.
Author: David Lescent.