adminDr Mazvita Machinga
DO you find difficulty initiating sleep; do you have frequent awakenings (including early morning awakening); do you wake up feeling exhausted, and are you preoccupied with sleep complaints, then you need help. Sleeping well is essential to your physical health, spirituality and emotional well-being. Sleeping is a basic human need, like eating, drinking, and breathing. Like these other needs, sleeping is a vital part of the foundation for good health and well-being throughout your lifetime.
Sleep deficiency can lead to physical and mental health breakdown, injuries, loss of productivity, and even a greater risk of death.
Inadequate sleep, or sleep loss can take a great toll on your mood, energy, concentration, and ability to handle stress.
Ignoring sleep problems and disorders can lead to poor health, accidents, impaired job performance, and relationship stress.
If you want to feel your best, stay healthy, and perform up to your potential, have adequate sleep. Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury.
People in good health and sound mental status tend to sleep well, whereas those suffering from repeated sleeping problems might have an underlying medical or mental health problem, be it minor or serious, you need help.
Remember that lack of quality sleep can have serious negative impact on your well-being,emotional balance, and health.
Not sleeping well is an indicator of scores of other physical and mental health challenges, so get help as soon as possible. Sleep problems are common and they do not discriminate. Men, women, youth and children are all affected.
Sleep problems may be caused by a variety of common medical illnesses and chronic pain. Conversely, medical illnesses and chronic pain can cause sleep problems.
Emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder can cause insomnia. Also note that due to stress or other outside factors, most people experience trouble sleeping at one time or another.
This is normal and usually temporary. But if sleep problems persist and interfere with your day-to-day life, it becomes problematic.
This means that you may be suffering from a sleep problem.
Help is available. If you’re experiencing sleeping problems, it is important that you learn about the symptoms of common sleep disorders, negative impact of not sleeping well and what you can do to help yourself.
You need to see your medical doctor to rule out any serious physical pathology.
Seeing a psychotherapist or a professional counsellor helps you to explore health sleep hygiene.
The good thing is that even if you’ve struggled with sleep problems for so long, with counselling and any medical care, you can still learn to sleep better.
You can start making healthy changes and work on your sleep hygiene TODAY.
Visit a medical doctor for medical attention or any physical examination.
Engage in psychotherapy to process any emotional issues and discuss sleep hygiene that works for you. Use stress management strategies day time and in stressful situations
Maintain a regular sleep schedule, going to sleep and getting up at the same time each day, including the weekends. Set aside enough time for sleep. It is healthy if as an adult you have at least seven to eight hours each night in order to feel good and be productive.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol before bed time. Avoid eating large meals within 90 minutes of going to bed. Pray for peace of mind and peaceful sleep
Visit a psychotherapist who will help you with positive coping skills.
Reference: “Improving Sleep: A Guide to a Good Night’s Rest”- Harvard Health Publications.
Dr Mazvita Machinga Ph.D. is a qualified psychotherapist in Mutare who offers professional counselling and psychotherapy to all those in need of it. For information on sleep problems , older adults care groups , substance abuse prevention, and other mental health issues, contact on [email protected] or call 0771 754 519
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