Sleep problems can be caused by various factors. Although causes might differ, the end result of all sleep disorders is that the body's natural cycle of slumber and daytime wakefulness is disrupted or exaggerated. Factors That Can Cause Sleep Problems Are: Physical (such as ulcers) Medical (such as asthma) Psychiatric (such as depression and anxiety disorders) Environmental (such as alcohol) Short-term or acute insomnia can be caused by life stresses (job loss or change, death of…

Why Age Affects Our Sleep More than half of men and women over the age of 65 complain of at least one sleep problem. Many older people experience insomnia and other sleep difficulties on a regular basis. As we get older, our sleep patterns change. However, good restorative sleep is essential to our physical health and emotional well-being. General changes in sleep patterns caused by aging include: More time spent in light sleep. More disrupted night-time sleep. A higher number of…

Sleep Disorders A sleep disorder is broadly defined as a physical or psychological problem that impairs your ability to sleep or causes increased sleepiness during non-sleeping hours. Everyone can experience problems with sleep from time to time. However, you might have a sleep disorder if: You experience difficulty sleeping regularly. You are often tired during the day even though you slept for at least seven hours the night before. You have a reduced or impaired ability to perform…

A good night’s sleep is something that everyone wants. Learn how to get a full night’s rest by separating fact from fiction. View the common misconceptions listed below: Myth: Health problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and depression have no relation to the amount and quality of a person’s sleep. Fact: More and more scientific studies are showing correlations between poor quality sleep and/or insufficient sleep with a variety of diseases. Interrupted sleep can negatively…

If you find yourself lying awake at night, there are different lifestyle and behavioral treatments that can help. Visit the listing below and learn more about what adjustments you can make in your life for a better night’s sleep. Relaxation Training. Relaxation training methods such as progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), deep breathing techniques, imagery and self-hypnosis might help some people deal with sleep disorders. PMR involves helping the individual to sequentially tense and relax…

Getting a good night’s sleep may seem impossible when you’re tossing and turning. However, you have to remember that your body wants to fall asleep. You only need to give it the proper means to do so. With a little preparation, you can give your body all it needs to get ready for a satisfying sleep. Follow these tips during the day and right before bed so you will surely sleep the night away. 7 Daytime Sleep Tips Follow these 7 tips throughout your daily activities so you can achieve a good…

Without adequate sleep, mental and physical health can suffer.There are more than 100 million Americans of all ages who are not getting adequate sleep. Inadequate sleep can have negative consequences on school and work performance, interpersonal relationships, health and safety.How Much Sleep is Necessary?Experts generally recommend that adults sleep at least 7 ½ to 8 hours per night, although some people require more and some less.A National Sleep Foundation poll found that adults (age 18-54)…

Over the first year of life, your baby will sleep and nap a lot – from 12 to as many as 18 hours a day. The amount of sleep an infant gets at any one stretch of time is mostly ruled by hunger. Newborns will wake up and want to be fed about every three to four hours at first. Sleeping Milestones Do not let your newborn sleep longer than five hours at a time in the first five to six weeks. Then, you can keep the following general milestones in mind: 4 months old: Most babies begin to show…

Make sure to maintain the health of your eyes. Visit the listing below for treatment options and answers to your questions. Note: This is not a complete listing and inclusion does not imply endorsement by Cleveland Clinic. Remember to always follow the advice of your doctor and healthcare team. Eye Health Resources National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health 2020 Vision Place Bethesda, MD 20892-3655 301.496.5248 American Foundation for the Blind 2 Penn Plaza,…

During an eye appointment several types of eye tests may be performed. In addition to a complete eye examination, your doctor may want to order one of the following special tests. Applanation tonometry: A test that helps doctors diagnose glaucoma by measuring the amount of pressure needed to flatten a portion of the cornea. This is done by taking a thin strip of paper stained with the dye fluorescein. This dye stains the front of the eye and enables a better examination by the doctor. The…

First aid, no matter how simple, can make the difference in saving your eyesight. When an emergency happens, it is important to seek medical attention for your eyes immediately after injury. A severe injury can lead to infection, vision loss or blindness. Using some of these simple first aid techniques when an accident happens may help save your sight or the sight of someone else: Bleeding from the eye - Trauma to the eye or head may cause bleeding of the eye. If you suspect that the blood…

Taking a role in maintaining your eyesight includes choosing a healthcare provider best suited for your needs – one that has the right training and experience, can give proper diagnosis and treatment, is informative, promotes the best possible outcome and guides care through genuine concern. Getting Started: How to Choose an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist Qualifications Make sure that the professional has the proper and adequate training to diagnose, treat and prevent…

These are some simple guidelines to follow for wearing corrective lenses or taking medicine prescribed by your eye healthcare provider. Eyeglasses Always store in a clean, dry place away from potential impact. Clean your glasses with water and a non-lint cloth, as necessary, to keep them spot-free and prevent distorted vision. See your doctor annually to check your prescription. Contact Lenses Always store your contact lenses in a clean case in fresh solution as recommended by…

It is important to maintain good ocular health. Having good ocular health means that vision is at least 20/20 or better with or without correction and that the eyes are disease-free. There are simple corrective and preventive measures to maintain good vision and enjoy lifelong ocular health. Here are some tips to keeping your eyes healthy and preventing problems: Visit Your Doctor for Regular Check-Ups You should visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam once every year. See…

This page will examine common misconceptions and provide some tips on how to care for your eyes—from childhood to old age. Below are some common questions people have about their eyes and relevant answers. Can crossed eyes be treated? Strabismus (crossed eyes) does not improve on its own, but it can be more easily corrected in younger children. That’s why it is important for your child to have an eye exam early, first when he or she is an infant, and then again by age…

If you have questions, or need more information about your headaches issues, view the resources below. Note: This is not a complete listing and inclusion does not imply endorsement by Cleveland Clinic. Remember to always follow the advice of your doctor and health care team. Headache Organizations American Headache Society 19 Mantua Road Mt Royal, NJ 08061 856.423.0043 National Headache Foundation 820 North Orleans, Suite 217 Chicago, IL 60610 312.274.2650 or…

By tracking your headache episodes through your headache diary, you may be able to identify specific foods that trigger your headaches. Not only can specific foods trigger a headache, but dietary habits can also play a role. Fasting, dehydration or skipping meals may cause headaches in some people. Headache Triggers There are many different foods and beverages that can contribute to headache episodes. Some of the most common foods, beverages and additives associated with headaches…

You have the right and responsibility to know what medications are being prescribed for you. The more you know about your medications and how they work, the easier it will be for you to control your symptoms. You and your doctor are partners in developing, adjusting and following an effective medication plan. Make sure that you understand and share the same treatment goals as your doctor. Talk about what you expect from medications so you can know if your treatment plan is working. Here are…

Any kind of pain that you feel is your body’s way of warning you about an injury or illness. Although headaches are rarely the symptoms of a serious illness, occasionally they may indicate a serious medical condition such as a tumor or aneurysm (blood vessel rupture). It is important for you to become familiar with your personal headache symptoms, and those that require immediate medical attention. Alarming Headache Symptoms So, what headache symptoms should cause concern? View the listing…

There are options for headache treatments that don’t require prescriptions or over-the-counter medication. Here are some tips for treating headaches yourself: Apply an ice pack to the painful area of your head. Try placing it on your forehead, temples or the back of your neck. Take a warm bath or shower. Take a nap. Take a walk. Ask someone to rub your neck and back, or treat yourself to a massage. Apply gentle, steady rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your…