Health tips:-Here's what sleeplessness does toyour brain

For many people, having sound and refreshing sleep at night is a mirage. They may go to bed and drift to sleep almost immediately, but they soon wake up a few hours later. And they may remain awake for the rest of the night, especially at a time when a 'normal' person should be enjoying a deep sleep. For some people, no matter how tired they are, sleep still eludes them, and they may need all the tricks in the book -- including taking sleep-inducing drugs -- to be able to sleep. Yet, it goes without saying that being able to sleep well is essential to physical health and emotional well-being Experts say insomnia is a common problem that takes a toll on the energy, mood, health, and ability to function during the day. Physicians say chronic insomnia can even contribute to serious health problems; while simple changes to lifestyle and daily habits can put a stop to sleepless nights.Researchers, Prof. Lawrence Robinson of Cornell University; and Dr. Robert Segal, warn that as we age, we often experience normal changes in our sleeping patterns."We may become sleepy earlier, wake up earlier, or enjoy less deep sleep," they advise. 燗nd although these changes are a normal part of ageing, disturbed sleep, waking up tired every day, and other symptoms of insomnia are not a normal part of ageing, the scientists argue. They are of the view that sleep is just as important to our physical and emotional health over the age of 50 as it was when we were younger. Indeed, a recent study by the National Institutes of Health suggests that healthy older people may require about one and a half hours less sleep than younger adults,or an average of seven and a half hours per night. The study indicates that older adults sleep less even when given the opportunity for more sleep because of age-related changes in the ability to fall asleep orremain asleep. Causes of insomnia General Practitioner, Dr. Maureen Keke, says many reasons are rSymptoms of insomnia o牋 Difficulty falling asleep despite being tired o牋 Waking up frequently during the night o牋 Trouble getting back to sleep when awakened o牋 Exhausting sleep o牋 Relying on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep o牋 Waking up too early in the morning o牋 Daytime drowsiness, fatigue, or irritability o牋 Difficulty concentrating during the day - Source: helpguide.org