Sleep is not a laughing matter

Some people may refer to sleep as a means of de-stressing and staying protected against a variety of health problems. However, you will discover that there are also risks during sleep that you should be watchful of. Some people develop health conditions while they sleep while others may not wake up the same way. Here are some guidelines and precautions.

Breathing Disorders During Sleep

People usually develop breathing problems as they sleep because of a variety of reasons. Some kids usually develop mental problems because of the breathing disorders. Adults usually sleep in the wrong position which causes compression in the lungs. When they wake up, people still feel tired because of the extra stress and congestion. Other kids will develop breathing problems if they continue sleeping in the wrong position. The ribs can become compressed, hindering the ability of the lungs to expand fully.

People who already have breathing problems may find that the condition can be aggravated by sleep. Asthmatic kids were found to develop several other conditions or usually find that even with medications, the condition still stays. Other drugs may also render to be ineffective in the treatment. It is important that mothers watch babies carefully during sleep because a condition called sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS occurs during sleep.

Periodic Jerks and Leg Movements

Sudden and brief muscle contractions can occur causing leg or arm jerks that last one or two seconds. These occur repeatedly every 20 to 40 seconds for different periods throughout the entire night. Everything usually last for 1 hour or more. In all cases, the person is completely unaware of the limb movements. Some people may wake themselves up because of the jerky motions. The motions can lead to hundreds of sudden interruptions of sleep every night. The person may develop non-restorative sleep wherein the body cannot fully rejuvenate and heal itself fully every night. Restless sleep can also develop.

GI Reflux

Gastrointestinal reflux can happen during sleep. This is described as backing up of the contents in the stomach right into the esophagus that will suddenly wake the person up many times every night. The reflux is usually called heartburn since the tightness in the chest or the pain is produced. When the person sleeps, less frequent swallowing is done, and together with the lying down position, will lead to reflux. The person may wake up choking or coughing.

How to Help

People should try elevating their head 4 to 8 inches so that they can prevent choking and other breathing problems. You have to take out pillows, stuff toys and other items that might hinder breathing or cause injury during sleep. Exercise is also good to help relax the body before sleeping. You may drink water or milk to induce sleeping. Stay away from medications unless a doctor prescribes you to take one for sleeping. Other lifestyle changes can also improve sleep such as losing weight or staying away from smoking or alcohol. Other people may have to undergo surgery or treatment to get rid of sleeping problems.