From time to time I still have times when sleeping becomes a problem. So me being me before going to see a doctor I went looking for help on the internet first.
What I found after verifying truth based facts was interesting to say the least. Along the way I read a few interesting facts about sleep and dreams plus a couple of places given me ideas on how to help myself. Having a good nights sleep is one of the essentials of keeping our mind and body healthy. If you are suffering from loss of sleep this post may help you.
While we need to sleep to dream getting a good night’s sleep is essential, and it’s not always easy. In fact, approximately 30% of the population struggles with sleep problems – also known as insomnia.
Sleep and Dreams: The Mysteries Unraveled
Sleep is typically categorized into five stages. Stages 1 through 4 are collectively known as non-REM sleep, progressing from light sleep to deeper sleep. Stage 5 is REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, during which most of our dreaming occurs. Each dream in REM sleep can last up to 15 to 20 minutes, and REM sleep typically occupies about 20% of the overall sleep period.
Most of the time dreams are experienced as real, and the dreamer is unaware of being asleep except in the peculiar case of lucid dreaming. Lucid dreaming occurs when you become aware that you are dreaming while still in the dream state. Your awareness allows you the chance to alter your environment within your dream.
The Benefits of Sleep
Interestingly, as we age, the length of the sleep period tends to decrease. The elderly generally have shorter sleep periods compared to younger individuals. While it’s believed that adults should aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, studies show that people’s sleep duration can vary widely, ranging from 4 to 10 hours or more.
Factors Affecting Sleep
Several factors can lead to poor sleep, such as high levels of stress and anxiety can make falling asleep increasingly difficult. Additionally, medications taken regularly for health reasons, age, or pregnancy may disrupt sleep by causing the need to use the bathroom during the night. Others could be chronic pain, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, bladder/prostate problems among others.
In several studies patients taking tricyclic or neuroleptic drugs in one single dose before bedtime, were more likely to experience frighting dreams. However, this was not apparent when the dosage was taken over the course of the day. In research it was found that those suffering depression dreamed less often. Their dreams being more negative than positive.
The National Health Service (N.H.S. Scotland) have a self-help guide and the N.H.S UK have help advice, either website will walk you through sleeping problems offering advice on how you can correct most sleep problems. The British Heart Foundation also offer expert tips to help you sleep better, from winding down to sticking to a bedtime routine.
Why Adequate Sleep is Essential
Regardless of age or circumstance, adequate sleep is crucial for everyone’s well-being. Some individuals turn to sleeping pills to aid their sleep, but it’s important to use them with caution as they have limited effectiveness and can lead to dependence. If prescribed sleeping medications are used, doctors may switch between medications to prevent the body from becoming accustomed to a particular drug, of course if you do not sleep you will not “Perchance The chance To Dream”.
Feature image by Susannp4 from pixabay
Note :
I have used both self-help guides myself. Thankfully I found enough advice to help me over my sleeping problems after my wife died last year.
If your sleeping problems are causing ill health you need to speak with your doctor for advice. (“you know it makes sense”.) (Shad 2025)
*Taken from directly referencing part of the famous line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet “To sleep, perchance to dream”.