Sleep apnoea - Better Health Channel.
Sleep apnoea occurs when the walls of the throat come together or collapse during sleep, blocking off the upper part of the airway. After a few seconds, the sleeper is aroused to a subconscious level, makes a strong breathing effort to open the ... [... more]
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Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia means excessive sleepiness. There are many different causes including inadequate sleep, shiftwork, sleep disorders, medication and medical and psychiatric illnesses (including depression). The major features of hypersomnia vary from ... [... more]
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Sleep - children and nightmares
Most children experience nightmares from time to time. Frightening dreams can start when the child is about two years old, and reach a peak between the ages of three and six years. Most children experience nightmares from time to time. ... [... more]
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Fatigue explained
Fatigue can mean feeling tired, sleepy or lacking energy. Fatigue may be due to medical causes, lifestyle or emotional concerns or stress. Depression, anxiety or grief can all cause fatigue. Too little or too much sleep can cause fatigue. Medical ... [... more]
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Sleep disorders - narcolepsy
A person with narcolepsy is extremely sleepy all the time and, in severe cases, falls asleep involuntarily several times every day. This is a rare condition with no cure. Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder. A person with narcolepsy is extremely ... [... more]
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Sleep - common disorders
Sleep is regulated by a chemical 'clock' inside the brain. Everyone needs sleep, but just how much they need depends on age, lifestyle, diet, personality and environment. Sleep disorders can prevent some people from enjoying a good night's ... [... more]
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Sleep problems - insomnia
Around one in three people regularly have trouble falling or staying asleep. Usually, people keep themselves awake by worrying about going to sleep. Insomnia is a symptom, not a disease. It means having trouble with how much or how well you ... [... more]
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Sleep deprivation
Sleep is as important to the human body as food and water, but many of us don't get enough sleep or face disruptions to our sleep-wake cycle from shift work or travel. A fatigued person is accident prone, judgement impaired and more likely to ... [... more]
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Sleep hygiene
The body's alternating sleep-wake cycle is controlled by an internal 'clock' within the brain. Most bodily processes (such as temperature and brain states) are synchronised to this 24-hour physiological clock. Getting a good sleep means working ... [... more]
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Sleeping habits - quiz
We all need sleep, but do you know how to sleep well, manage insomnia or why sleep is important? Test your knowledge with our quick health quiz and get tips for a good night's rest. You seem to be your own worst enemy when it comes to getting a ... [... more]
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Fatigue fighting tips
Fatigue can mean feeling tired, lethargic, sleepy or lacking energy. Tips to fight fatigue include drinking lots of water, limiting caffeine, improving your diet and getting enough sleep. Activity and physical exercise help fight fatigue. Fatigue ... [... more]
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Shiftwork - health effects
The body is synchronised to night and day by a part of the brain known as the circadian clock. A shiftworker confuses their circadian clock by working when their body is programmed to be sleeping. Common health problems include digestive upsets, ... [... more]
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