What's Your Sleep IQ?
Sleep is something that your body craves, but also something that everybody struggles with periodically. Difficulty falling and staying asleep is a common problem. As an important source of energy for the body, sleep is a valuable commodity. So how much do you really know about insomnia and its related problems?
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True or False:
Snoring is a common problem, especially among men, but it isn't harmful.
1/6
It's False.
Although snoring may be harmless for most people, it can be a symptom of sleep apnea (especially if it is accompanied by severe daytime sleepiness). Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing that prevent air from flowing into or out of a sleeping person’s airways. People with sleep apnea awaken frequently during the night gasping for breath. Snoring on a frequent or regular basis has also been directly associated with high blood pressure.
True or False:
True or False: It's important to maintain a regular sleep and wake schedule each day, including weekends.
2/6
It's True!
Your sleep-wake cycle is regulated by a "circadian clock" in your brain and the body's need to balance both sleep time and wake time. A regular waking time in the morning strengthens the circadian function and can help with sleep onset at night. That is also why it is important to keep a regular bedtime and wake time, even on the weekends when there is the temptation to sleep in.
True or False:
Turning up the radio, rolling down the window, and turning on the air conditioner are effective ways to stay awake when driving.
3/6
It's False!
These "aids" are ineffective and can be dangerous to the person who is driving while feeling drowsy or sleepy. If you’re feeling tired while driving, the best thing to do is to pull off the road in a safe rest area and take a nap for 15-45 minutes. Caffeinated beverages can help overcome drowsiness for a short period of time only. However, it takes about 30 minutes before the effects are felt. The best prevention for drowsy driving is a good night's sleep the night before your trip.
True or False:
Insomnia is only characterized by difficulty falling asleep.
4/6
It's False!
Difficulty falling asleep is just one of four symptoms generally associated with insomnia. The others include: waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep; frequent awakenings; and waking up feeling tired. Insomnia can be a symptom of a sleep disorder or other medical problem, and can often be treated. If insomnia symptoms occur more than a few times a week and also impact your daytime functions, discuss these symptoms with your health care provider.
True or False:
Daytime sleepiness always means a person isn’t getting enough sleep.
5/6
It's False!
An individual has excessive daytime sleepiness when she feels very drowsy during the day and has an urge to fall asleep when she should be fully alert and awake. The condition, which can occur even after getting enough nighttime sleep, can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or sleep disorder such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea. These problems can often be treated, and you should discuss your symptoms with a physician.
True or False:
Health problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and depression are unrelated to the amount and quality of a person's sleep.
6/6
It's False!
Studies have found a relationship between the quantity and quality of one's sleep and many health problems. For example, insufficient sleep affects growth hormone secretion that is linked to obesity; as the amount of hormone secretion decreases, the chance for weight gain increases. Blood pressure usually falls during the sleep cycle. However, interrupted sleep can adversely affect this normal decline, leading to hypertension and cardiovascular problems. Research has also shown that insufficient sleep impairs the body's ability to use insulin, which can lead to the onset of diabetes. More and more scientific studies are showing correlations between poor and insufficient sleep and disease.
You're a sleep expert!