The premise behind bright light therapy is that increased light will have an effect on the body’s circadian rhythm which in turn works with the body ‘inner clock’ that regulates the body’s sleeping waking habits. Natural light plays a part in how much sleep is achieved. Using artificial light can help control that inner clock.

• Bright light therapy uses different devices to achieve its results:
• Light visor is placed over your eyes that generates a strong light.
• A special desk lamp that produces high levels of light.
• A light box is similar to the desk lamp in that it provides a steady level of light
• Dawn Simulator is a light box that simulates the sunrise

Usually bright light therapy has been associated with seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Your depression or your gloomy mood can be attributed to the lack of light during the winter season so bright light therapy can useful in this regard. However it is always wise to consult a doctor before trying any therapy.

 What can be done to help with this exasperating condition?

 The first thing and probably the hardest thing to do, is to not worry about being awake. The more you worry the harder it is to fall asleep. I know first hand that not worrying about falling asleep is hard but you must try.

Cognitive behavior therapy is considered one of the best ways to help with insomnia. This type of therapy deals with changing the way you feel about things that may affect your sleeping. You may have misperceptions about how much time you need to sleep or other feelings or reactions that cause you to get less rest. After the therapy your perceptions will have changed and you should be ready to get some rest.

 Typical CBT methods include relaxation training, biofeedback and sleep hygiene, which encourages a healthier lifestyle that discourages late night eating, smoking and drinking. Exercising is also a big part of sleep hygiene. See sleeping tips.

 At one time medication was the only cure for insomniacs. But now medication isn’t considered a long term fix for sleeping disorders. There may be side effects with other medications and sleeping pills may cause other physical problems like high blood pressure, confusion and nausea.

 If you have insomnia you need to go to your doctor in order to rule out any other serious ailments that may be having an adverse effect on your sleeping.

Insomnia is being unable to fall asleep and being unable to remain asleep. The quality of sleep is more important than the quantity of sleep regarding insomnia. There are three basic type of insomnia. Transient lasts a week. Short term lasts about 3 weeks and chronic insomnia is anything longer than that. Insomnia is usually caused by psychological problems such as anxiety, stress and depression. It can also be caused by medical condition such as high blood pressure and hormonal changes. Cognitive Behavior treatment is considered one of the best ways to cure insomnia. Sleeping pills may help in the short term but they don’t fix the underlying problems.

Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes a peculiar sensation on the legs which in turn causes the need to move the legs uncontrollable. The cause of RLS is unknown but some connect it to low iron or anemia or reaction to medications. There is no cure for this disorder.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that is connected to EDS (excessive daytime sleepiness). Narcolepsy sufferers will often fall asleep during the day at any time and any place. This condition may be caused by genetics. Medication and therapy are used to treat this disorder.

Sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia are common factors in causing sleep deprivation.

 Lack of sleep can cause high blood pressure as well as a rise in cholesterol.  Sleep apnea patients are the most at danger when it comes to heart disease.

 The inability to metabolize glucose brought on by sleep deprivation can lead to Type 2 Diabetes.

 In areas of the brain lack of sleep can lead to the decline of memory and certain learning skills. In some parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal lobe, there is more activity due to overcompensation.

  Hypothalamic neurons produce neurotransmitters called GABA, which stop neurons from firing which have serotonin, histamine, norepinephrine, glutamate and hypocretin in them. This action promotes sleep. So if REM is never achieved as it is with sleep apnea patients this never occurs.