It's safe to say that people who fall asleep easily and sleep eight hours a night without waking up are in a lucky category. In fact, nearly a quarter of Canadians over the age of 18 have difficulty falling or staying asleep "most of the time" or "all the time," according to results from the 2014-2015 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). This article was written by Familiprix, in collaboration with Unisom and Vie de Parents.
Sleep disorders are characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting enough sleep. Each person’s needs are different, but, as a general rule, an adult should sleep between 7 and 9 hours per night. Good sleep is essential to maintain good physical, mental and emotional health. These disorders, if they remain relatively mild or occasional, can be treated with over-the-counter medicated products, such as Unisom, available in pharmacies. You should consult your healthcare professional to determine if taking this medication is appropriate for your situation.
The causes of sleep disorders
First, let's look at the causes of sleep disorders. Studies have shown that there are strong links between sleep disorders and stress (anxiety) and chronic health pain, including arthritis. These deeper problems can be treated with medical help. But there are easily-avoidable detrimental external factors that cause sleep deprivation. These go so far as to cause sleepless nights or periods of nocturnal awakening.
The most common ones are caffeine, contained in coffee and tea, and stimulants, including chocolate and nicotine, that stimulate the nervous system. There are also unique life changes that can disrupt sleep, such as moving, getting a new job, or a getting new work schedule.
Consequences and symptoms of poor sleep
When you suffer from insomnia, different physical and psychological signals will alert you. During the day you may feel tired or drowsy, experience a lack of energy and motivation, irritability and headaches. Feeling tired also means that you’re more at risk for accidents, whether at work or behind the wheel.
Lack of sleep has negative consequences on our quality of life in general, including our work, our involvement at school, and our social and romantic relationships. It disrupts our appetite and affects our weight. If, due to fatigue, we’re unable to relax and abandon our exercise routine, the vicious circle becomes even more present.
Women are more at risk of having sleep disturbances, particularly because of hormonal variations during their lifetime.
Why is sleep important?
There are over-the-counter medications available at pharmacies that can help with sleep problems. You should know that Unisom sleep aid products can help you fall asleep faster. They’ve been recognized and used by Canadians since 1982. This sleep aid, available in tablets or capsules, provides relief from occasional insomnia due to overwork or fatigue. You must read the instructions carefully to understand the contraindications and warnings related to this product, which contains the medicinal ingredient diphenhydramine hydrochloride. It’s best to consult a medical professional before consuming any over-the-counter sleep medication. Stop using the product and consult a doctor if insomnia lasts more than two weeks. Insomnia could be a symptom of a serious underlying disease.
A sleep aid like Unisom may be a solution to periodic lack of sleep and will help you function normally during the day. You should know that good sleep is not just a treat; it’s an essential part of maintaining good health.
During sleep, our tissues grow and repair themselves, and the cardiovascular system rests, reducing blood pressure. Sleep also has a beneficial effect on blood sugar, energy levels, reflexes and motor skills. It’s particularly important for children because growth hormones are secreted at night. Even at rest, our brain continues to "work" by integrating information. Our immune system is also strengthened against infections during restful sleep.
Sleep disorders can be prevented
You can stop certain habits that interfere with falling asleep or that affect sleep during the night. Anything that contains caffeine should be avoided by mid-afternoon, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and sugary soft drinks. As much as possible, avoid playing high-intensity sports in the evening, as they can cause over-excitement before bedtime. Too much screen time can cause nervousness, so turn off your TV, tablet, computer and phone at the end of the evening and when you’re in bed. Keep your room cool, quiet and well-ventilated. Little rituals like sipping a small herbal tea and lighting a candle are good. Above all, listen to your body! When your eyelids are heavy and you yawn, your internal clock is sending you signals: it's time to sleep!
Remember to consult your pharmacist for more information about Unisom sleep aid products. These products may not be suitable for you. Always read the label and follow the directions.
Sleep tight!
For more information, we invite you to consult our free “Looking to sleep better” guide.
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