Sleeplessness is a huge issue these days, with a recent Gallup survey finding that a third of U.S. adults struggle to get a good night’s sleep. That leaves us with no energy, can lead to making poor dietary and lifestyle choices, and increase stress levels. But instead of asking a health care provider for help, many of us turn to Google for answers.
Sleep expert Ashley Hainsworth is answering what he says are the most Googled sleep-related questions of the last year.
- How can I fall asleep faster? - Lots of us want to know this, as the question has an average of 215-thousand global searches a month. Hainsworth says the solution is all about working with the sleep hormone melatonin, rather than against it. Waking up and falling asleep at different times can confuse your circadian rhythm, also known as the body’s internal clock. It regulates the release of melatonin and going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, will help the body know when to release the hormone.
- How much sleep do you need? - This one has an average of 105-thousand monthly global searches and the answer depends on several factors, including age and health levels. According to this expert, adults need at least seven hours of sleep a night and it’s common for older adults to sleep more lightly, wake up multiple times in the night and have trouble falling asleep.
- What is sleep apnea? - Hainsworth explains that it’s a disorder where breathing starts and stops while the person is asleep and symptoms include gasping, snorting, choking noises, loud snoring and waking up often during the night. People with sleep apnea may feel tired or have headaches and if you think you may have it, talk to a healthcare professional.
- Why can’t I sleep? - Nearly 90-thousand frustrated people search for this a month, but the answer isn’t so simple. Insomnia can be caused by a range of reasons, from stress and anxiety to caffeine and alcohol use.
Source: Vogue
Scott's Thoughts:
- Kids and staying up late to watch true crime shows can also keep you from sleeping!
- I mostly get good sleep. Although as I age I find it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- If I lay off the caffineIf I stay off the caffeine past 10am, I sleep better.