Read more at www.health.com When sleep problems becomes chronic, it can morph into psychophysiological insomnia: As you prepare for bed, you begin to get nervous about sleeping. In this video, David Schulman, MD, director of the Emory Sleep Disorders Laboratory in Atlanta, explains how the body reacts to the expectation of insomnia—and what simple changes you can make to help break the cycle.

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Restless leg syndrome is a condition which keeps its sufferers from getting a good nights sleep. It cause is not completely known but its symptoms are very real and often times debilitating.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition which affects approximately 10% of the current United States population. Anyone can be affected by it, young, old, men, and women have all suffered from it affects. The symptoms of restless leg syndrome can range from mild annoyance to extremely painful.

Restless leg syndrome occurs when a person’s legs become extremely uncomfortable and is characterized by unpleasant sensations such as burning, creeping, and tugging, much like having insects crawling around just under the skin of the legs. These sensations create an uncontrollable urge to get up and walk around to try and get some relief. The interesting thing is getting up and walking around usually does help mitigate the symptoms to the point where the person suffering them can go back to bed and fall asleep. In more severe cases though, medical intervention and treatment may be needed.

Although research into the causes of  restless leg syndrome  is ongoing at this time there is no specific known cause. There is conjecture that a neurological disorder or chemical imbalance in the brain, notably the chemical dopamine, is responsible for the symptoms of RLS. Dopamine is responsible for the nerve impulses that control muscle movement.

There are several major symptoms that accompany restless leg syndrome the most notable of which is the time during which it tends to occur. Most of the symptoms are felt during the evening hours, particularly as one is lying in bed getting ready to go to sleep. It can also strike during extended periods of inactivity during which one is sitting or laying down.

Periodic limb movements (PLMS) are another symptom that can occur with restless leg syndrome. PLMS is involuntary twitching and kicking of the legs while asleep. Normally the PLMS sufferer is unaware that they are doing it, but anyone sharing the bed with is more then aware that this is occurring. In severe cases of restless leg syndrome these muscle twitches can occur when awake.

Because restless leg syndrome strikes as people are relaxing or trying to go to sleep, many find they have a hard time getting the rest they need. Insomnia is a big problem for people who suffer from restless leg syndrome. Even sneaking in a midday nap can get to be impossible of the recurring RLS.

If you or someone you know may be suffering from restless leg syndrome it is best to consult with a doctor. RLS has gotten more press in recent years making more people aware of this not so rare disorder.

To learn more about restless leg syndrome, its treatment and coping strategies click here.

By Andrew Bicknell Published: 10/30/2006

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If you’re one of the nearly 78% of all women who suffer from insomnia during pregnancy, there is hope in getting a better night’s sleep again. Learn about the simple things you can do around your home to improve your overall sleep quality.

If you find yourself confused about why you suddenly have insomnia during pregnancy, you shouldn’t have to be. Not being able to get relaxed, having to urinate frequently, being excited about the arrival of your new baby, and cramps could possibly be some of the reasons why you’re finding it so hard to fall asleep.

With having to deal with all of these inconveniences, it’s no wonder that nearly 78% of all women have to deal some form of insomnia during pregnancy along with other resting issues. Before you find yourself in complete misery from lack of sleep, keep reading and learn what you can do to overcome this condition.

Before you can learn to how to get back to dreaming, you’re going to need to take your eyes off that pesky clock and stop watching it count down the minutes that go by. Another tip would be to not worry about your problem, as insomnia during pregnancy will only continue to grow worse if you lay awake thinking about the problem. Simply remedies that you may also want to try before bedtime involves taking a warm bath or getting a relaxing massage from a partner.

If these simple tips don’t seem to be doing the job, maybe you need a more peaceful sleeping environment. Before hopping into bed, set the room temperature to where you feel the most comfortable for sleeping and ask yourself is the quiet or dark enough to rest in? If the answer to these questions are no, maybe you should trying buying a noise maker to help drown out the unpleasant sounds with some peaceful and some dark curtains to prevent the irritating sunlight to help soothe insomnia during pregnancy.

If you find yourself looking up at the ceiling still awake after a period of 30 minutes, you may want to try getting up and relocating. Go do something worthwhile such as reading something to help you relax or listening to some of your favorite music. During the course of doing these activities, you’ll begin to feel tired and then you should try returning to bed.

The one thing that you do not want to do is worry about not being able to sleep and get agitated. This will only cause insomnia during pregnancy to persist if not make the problem worse, not including make you feel drowsy the day after. However, if you become worried that you have a serious sleep disorder, you’ll be better off to consult a doctor, but remember that this is a condition that’s perfectly normal and you’re not going through it alone.

If you found the information on insomnia during pregnancy useful, you’ll be glad to know that Josh West has a website devoted to insomnia cures. No longer do you have to worry about not being able to fall asleep, as you can learn about the many different types of insomnia and what to do about them.

By Josh West Published: 8/2/2007

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