In the United States alone, over 60 million people suffer from sleep disorders. Problems sleeping at the night cause exhaustion and dysfunction throughout the day. Sufferers should do all they can to seek help and can find relief from symptoms in varied treatment options. This does not necessarily mean visiting the doctor; some people with common sleep disorders can find enough support online to get better. Others might need professional aid, all depending on the person and the sleep disorder. About 80 different sleep disorders are known to exist, the most common being insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome.

For those who want to explore alternative treatments, also called alternative therapy there are a variety of ways to calm the mind/ nervous system and address the root of the problem. A therapist can assist you in finding the help you need which may encompass a variety of disciplines including everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. Examples of alternative therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, acupuncture, guided imagery, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage, and many others.

Insomnia

The most common sleep disorder in existence, insomnia can cause major exhaustion problems. Signs of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, waking up often, trouble going back to sleep, waking up too early, and not getting restful sleep. People who often feel tired and moody throughout the day may have insomnia. Acute insomnia (short-term) may last one night and disappear, while chronic insomnia (long-term) may last for years, coming and going at the most inconvenient times. Most people can cure insomnia at home by changing their lifestyle habits. Cutting down on caffeine, listening to music, lowering the thermostat, making your bed more comfortable, and sleeping in total darkness are all effective ways to cure insomnia. The most prevalent cause of insomnia is stress or emotional anxiety. Seeking advice from a mental health expert will help you address the root of the problem.

If you suffer from this disorder, an alternative treatment option is to consult a therapist that specializes in stress management, weight loss and emotional eating habits, and emotional issues around lifestyle choices.

Sleep Apnea

People with sleep apnea stop breathing in their sleep, often hundreds of times per night. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of this sleep disorder. Soft tissue in the throat collapses and blocks the airway, waking the sufferer. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is similar, but the airway is not blocked by tissue; the brain simply does not tell the body to breath. This problem is harder to treat since it involves the Central Nervous System (CNS). Sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea have plenty of treatment options. Weight loss may be the answer, but even sleeping in a different position could help immensely. Special mouthpieces can also cure sleep apnea. Suffers should avoid alcohol and other depressants, as these cause muscles to relax.

If you suffer from this disorder, an alternative treatment option is to consult a therapist that specializes in stress management, weight loss and emotional eating habits, and emotional issues around lifestyle choices.

Restless Legs Syndrome

When those suffering from restless leg syndrome (RLS) sit still for too long, they feel sensations like tingling and pain in their legs. Since this problem is typically worst evenings and nights, restless leg syndrome can make it especially hard to fall asleep. It helps to walk and shake the irritated leg. Unfortunately, nobody wants to get up and walk around after three hours of sleep! Restless leg syndrome may be symptomatic of pregnancy, anemia, nerve disease, diabetes, or kidney failure. Heredity and age are other factors. Obesity, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, H2-histamine blockers, and antidepressants can also cause this sleep disorder. Lifestyle changes may cure restless leg syndrome; otherwise, prescribed medicine could be necessary.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that emphasizes observing and changing negative thoughts (such as, "I'll never fall asleep"). It also employs actions intended to change behavior. This has been used as an alternative treatment option for sleeping disorders.