Treating Common Causes of Poor Sleep

There is no question that a poor night of sleep can affect your health and wellbeing. Following a terrible night of sleep, you often feel groggy and worn out. It may take a few nights of sleep to catch up and feel like yourself. Some causes of poor sleep are out of our control. We can set the room to a comfortable temperature, turn off all electronic temptations, and invest in the most comfort of bedding. Yet, if chronic medical problems are the cause of poor sleep, it may be harder to solve.

Chronic headaches

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic headaches. Headaches can prevent you from falling or staying asleep. They can also wake you in the middle of the night and not allow you to fall asleep. People experience headaches during sleep for many reasons. The changes in temperatures, low or high humidity numbers, or odd smells can all cause nighttime headaches. Also, teeth grinding or jaw clenching can also cause bedtime headaches. Chronic headaches treatment for headaches that occur at night can sometimes be helped with a night mouth guard.

Chronic back and joint pains

Back pain is one of the leading causes of missed work and school in the United States. Back and joint pains can be exacerbated with poor mattress quality or lack of exercise. If chronic pains in your back or joints are affecting you from getting a good night of sleep, find a mattress that is specifically made for chronic pain. It can also be helpful to use a heated blanket or to take a warm bath before going to bed at night.

Sleep apnea

Approximately 2 to 4% of all Americans have an undiagnosed case of sleep apnea. This accounts for approximately 1 in 50 individuals being undiagnosed. Sleep apnea can be extremely dangerous, reducing the air flow you receive during a night of sleep. It also affects the quality of consistent sleep that you get, as you are awakened numerous times throughout the night. A CPAP treatment and mask can measure the possibility of sleep apnea and can prevent you from awakening throughout the night, resulting in a better quality night of sleep.

Chronic jaw pain

Jaw arthritis usually comes from clenching or teeth grinding as well. It can lead to chronic jaw pain and problems with the teeth. It can also lead to loose and painful teeth and mouths. TMD affects more than twice as many women (particularly those of childbearing age) as men and is the most common non dental related chronic facial pain. Treatment for chronic jaw pain and TMJ usually involves the use of a night mouth guard. The night mouth guard prevents you from grinding the teeth and can provide you with chronic jaw pain treatment.

Insomnia

Sometimes there is simply no reason for the inability to sleep. It also may not be diagnosed. Between 40% and 60% of people over the age of 60 suffer from insomnia. While something like a night mouth guard may not help with insomnia, prescription sleep aids can. If you are having trouble falling and staying asleep without any known medical reason, consult with your medical provider. They can run appropriate testing to rule out any medical reasons. They can also try prescriptions or natural over the counter supplements that can help to promote sleep. When insomnia is left untreated, it can result in poor work and school performance and dangerous driving habits.

Every night, hundreds of thousands of people struggle with falling and staying asleep. Poor sleep is not only bad for your day to day activities, but it also can affect your health over a long period of time. Diagnosing the cause of the poor sleep quality is important in finding a treatment. Night mouth guards are effective in treating grinding and chewing problems. They may also help with chronic headaches. Other conditions, such as chronic pain may need medical consultation. Sleep apnea may require sleep studies and finding the best treatment method.