Anyone who s raised or is raising a family knows that babies and children aren t conducive to a good night s rest. Illnesses, either our own or a loved one s, also rob us of sleep. Some people suffer bouts of insomnia. Sleeplessness that lasts a few days or weeks is usually the result of some kind of stress. Once the stressor is removed normal sleep patterns usually resume.
Chronic insomnia is another matter.
It occurs when muscles at the back of the throat become overly relaxed and block the airway. 1 in 2000 people suffer from this condition and once diagnosed it s controllable by changing one s lifestyle or taking medication. Walking around usually relieves the problem. The elderly seem to suffer from RLS most frequently. There is no cure but drugs can control the sensations.