Sleep problems log can help sufferers

Problems with sleep - many can help protocol lead
Around a quarter of the adult German citizens suffer from sleep disorders. In the long term, sleep deprivation can sometimes lead to serious health problems. Finding out why you sleep poorly can help keep a record. Health experts recommend to pay attention to the correct sleep hygiene.

Every fourth German suffers from sleep disorders
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), sleep disorders are among the most common health complaints in the population. About every fourth adult German citizen suffers according to surveys. Sleep deprivation endangers health and, among other things, increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, overweight or obesity or diabetes. In addition, sleep problems can significantly increase the risk of accidents, as recently reported. To find out the cause of bad sleep, it can help keep track.

If you wake up regularly at night and suffer from sleep problems, then keeping a sleep log can help you identify the causes. (Image: Gina Sanders / fotolia.com)

A sleep log lead
According to a news agency dpa, people who are having trouble sleeping or staying asleep should first have a sleep log, such as recording when they went to bed and getting up, what they ate and drank and whether you have done sports. In addition, special events and burdens should be recorded and your own sleep or waking phases should be evaluated at night. This advises the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) on his patient information portal "www.gesundheitsinformation.de". Such records can help to find the cause.

Examination in the sleep laboratory
For sleep disorders that last more than half a year and could not be treated by doctors, an examination in the sleep laboratory is an option. In recent years, however, there was a strong rush in sleep laboratories, so that the waiting times are often long. According to the IQWiG portal, you should not drink coffee or black tea or alcohol before 2 pm before such an examination. In addition, a nap during the day should be better avoided. It can make sense to bring your partner. Because he can say something about possible breathing mischief in conversation with the doctor.

Turn off TV and computer
In the sleep laboratory, one or more nights sleep is scrutinized. This happens first in conversations about, for example, habits and the nature of the problems. Later in sleep then also using various measuring devices. In such institutions, physicians of various disciplines work together. People with sleeping problems are generally advised to abstain from coffee, nicotine and alcohol at bedtime if possible. It is also recommended to switch off TVs, computers and telephones in advance. Helpful are quiet, dark and cool bedrooms as well as rituals when falling asleep. Relaxation techniques such as autogenic training, yoga, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation can be a very effective aid to healthy sleep. (Ad)