Can’t sleep?

ABRAHAM Maslow was an American psychologist whose theory Maslow’s hierarchy of needs became popular. The theory highlights the importance of understanding people in terms of their behavior and motivation in life.

He shows a pyramid to explain the needs of a person. He believes that one should be able to acquire the first need (physiological survival needs) before going to the next steps.

1. Physiological survival needs: 

* Air 

* Water 

* Food 

* Shelter 

* Sleep 

* Other physical essentials 

2. Safety and security needs: 

* Free from dangers 

3. Need for belongingness 

* Social Acceptance 

* Social Interaction 

* Social Affiliation 

4. Need for esteem 

* Self-worth, Competence, Skill(s) 

* Appreciation, Recognition, Respect 

5. Need for self-actualization 

* Physical 

* Emotional 

* Mental 

* Spiritual

Sleeping is a necessity. Sleep is important. Doctors tell people that everyone needs to sleep at least eight hours a day. Children need more than eight hours of sleep. Sleep is good for our well-being. It rejuvenates us, giving us more energy. Sleeping replenishes our brain glycogen levels so it is important that we sleep.

But then, why don’t we sleep?

Sometimes we need the time for work or hang out with friends. Some are travelling and sleeping in a different bed can be keep us awake. Maybe others are sick. Some people have problems (too much stress) that they can’t sleep.

However, if one can’t sleep regularly or just wants to sleep the whole day everyday and affects your daily routine, you may have a problem – a sleep disorder. This affects your physical and mental well-being.

Helpguide.org defines sleep disorder ias a condition that frequently impacts one’s ability to get enough quality sleep. While it’s normal to occasionally experience difficulties sleeping, it’s not normal to regularly have problems getting to sleep at night, to wake up feeling exhausted, or to feel sleepy during the day.

Here are questions to ponder from Helpguide.org:

Do you...

1. Feel irritable or sleepy during the day?

2. Have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television or reading?

3. Fall asleep or feel very tired while driving?

4. Have difficulty concentrating?

5. Often get told by others that you look tired?

6. React slowly?

7. Have trouble controlling your emotions?

8. Feel like you have to take a nap almost every day?

9. Require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going?

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms on a regular basis, you may be dealing with a sleep disorder. The more you answered “yes,” the more likely it is that you have a sleep disorder.

These are the common sleep disorders:

Insomnia is the inability to get to sleep or sleep well at night. These can be caused by stress, jet lag, a health condition, the medications you take, or even the amount of coffee you drink. Insomnia can also be caused by other sleep disorders or mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Whatever the cause of your insomnia, improving your sleep hygiene, revising your daytime habits, and learning to relax will help cure most cases of insomnia without relying on sleep specialists or turning to prescription or over-the-counter sleeping pills.

Sleep apnea is a common (and treatable) sleep disorder in which your breathing temporarily stops during sleep, awakening you frequently. If you have sleep apnea you may not remember these awakenings, but you’ll likely feel exhausted during the day, irritable and depressed, or see a decrease in your productivity. Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening sleep disorder, so see a doctor right away and learn what you can do to help yourself.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that causes an almost irresistible urge to move your legs (or arms) at night. The urge to move occurs when you’re resting or lying down and is usually due to uncomfortable, tingly, aching, or creeping sensations. There are plenty of ways to help manage and relieve symptoms, though, including self-help remedies you can use at home.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that involves excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. It is caused by a dysfunction of the brain mechanism that controls sleeping and waking. If you have narcolepsy, you may have “sleep attacks” in the middle of talking, working, or even driving.

Although no cure yet exists, a combination of treatments can help control symptoms and enable you to enjoy many normal activities.

If your sleep disturbances have affected your daily routine, it might be the time to visit a doctor or a sleep specialist. Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital (Riverside) has a sleep clinic.