Break The Cycle Of Insomnia With These Tips From Affinity Health

Are you tired of counting sheep? Are you desperate for some shut-eye? Affinity Health – providers of premier, quality, affordable medical insurance – have put together proven ways you can break the cycle of insomnia.

We all know that getting a good night’s sleep helps you face the next day refreshed and rejuvenated. Sometimes, however, no matter how many sheep you count, different pillows you buy, or weird and wonderful sleep hacks you try before bed, you still can’t fall asleep, or you can’t stay asleep.

Insomnia is a common condition that affects roughly one-third of the population. That equates to about 10% of adults. It can also affect children, teenagers, and the elderly. 

“While short bouts of sleeplessness at some point or another in our lives are normal (we all have the occasional bad night), insomnia usually lasts for more than a night or two,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“The majority of adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night, and if you’re not getting enough sleep, it will impact on your health, work performance, and quality of life. Insomnia and sleep deprivation can make you irritable and moody, impact on your concentration, and increase the risk of accidents, especially if you work with dangerous machinery or travel on the roads.”

Common causes of insomnia

A handful of causes of insomnia include stress and worry (work, school, health, finances, or family), a traumatic event (death or illness of a loved one, divorce, or a job loss), travel or work schedule (jet lag, working a late or early shift, or frequently changing shifts), poor sleep habits, and overeating late in the evening, which may cause you to feel physically painful while lying down.

8 Symptoms of insomnia may include:

1. Difficulty falling asleep at night
2. Waking up during the night
3. Inability to remain awake during the day
4. Not feeling well-rested after a night’s sleep
5. Anger, sadness, or nervousness
6. Trouble paying attention 
7. Increased mistakes, forgetfulness, or accidents
8. Worrying about sleep

The importance of a bedtime routine

Promoting relaxation before bed is one of the most important steps you can take to make it easier to sleep at night, along with a regular sleep schedule, bedtime routine, and avoiding common sleep pitfalls. These include:

• Stay away from stimulants such as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bedtime
• Do not exercise within three hours before bedtime
• Keep your sleep environment quiet, dark, and a comfortable temperature
• Avoid heavy meals before bedtime
• Do something relaxing before bedtime (such as a warm bath)
• Avoid napping during the day
• Establish a routine by going to bed at the same time at night and waking at the same time each day

If insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day, and you’ve tried other ways to help you fall asleep, it may be time to see your doctor to identify the cause of your sleep problem and how it can be treated. If your doctor thinks you could have a sleep disorder, you might be referred to a sleep centre for special testing.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.