1. Causes of Insomnia
Some forms of insomnia may be a response to pressures or stresses in our daily lives, such as illness, air travel, psychiatric conditions, and alcohol and/or drug abuse.
2. Sleep Requirements
Perhaps the only measure of the amount of sleep we need is the amount that makes us feel well. Too much or too little makes a person irritable and tired. The old idea that every adult needs eight hours has long since been discounted; some need ten, some four.
3. Is Narcolepsy Hereditary?
There is evidence that narcolepsy (or a predisposition to develop narcolepsy) may be an inherited characteristic which can be passed from an afflicted parent to the children, and/or to the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.. The first generation of offspring of a narcoleptic parent appears to have about a one-in-twenty chance of being afflicted with narcolepsy.
4. Symptoms of Narcolepsy
The four (4) main symptoms of narcolepsy are:
1.    Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS): uncontrollable sleepiness and/or sleep attacks
2.    Cataplexy: a rapidly occurring loss of voluntary muscle tone, usually triggered by strong emotions
3.    Hypnagogic hallucinations: intense, vivid, sometimes terrifying experiences which occur at the beginning or end of a sleep period
4.    Sleep paralysis: an awareness of one´s inability to move despite the desire to do so, occurring as a person is falling asleep or waking up
5. Depressants and Sleep
Recordings of users of central nervous system depressants, such as tranquillizers, show that their sleep patterns do not properly cycle between REM and non-REM sleep. In order to improve sleep, the person with insomnia must first be stabilized on a gradually tapering dose, until the depressant is no longer needed.
6. Diagnosis Is Important
Prompt and proper diagnosis of a sleep/wake disorder can save you and your family years of unnecessary suffering and emotional stress. If you suspect that you or someone in your family may have a sleep/wake disorder, ask your family doctor for a referral to a specialist.
7. Causes of REM-Behaviour Disorder
During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the brain experiences vivid dreams involving motion and issues corresponding commands to run, kick, jump, punch, etc.. Normally, neurons in the brain disconnect much of our muscular apparatus so that we are effectively paralysed and these commands are countermanded before muscles can translate them into action. However, with REM-Behaviour Disorder, this does not occur.
8. Misdiagnosed Narcolepsy
Physicians often mistake the symptoms of narcolepsy for those of depression or other disorders. Sometimes the sleepiness is thought to be a side effect of medication and cataplectic attacks have been misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures.
9. The Primary Sleep Disorders
The four (4) primary sleep disorders are:
1.    Insomnia
2.    Narcolepsy
3.    Sleep Apnea
4.    Restless Legs Syndrome
10. Definition of Insomnia
Insomnia is a disorder of initiating and maintaining sleep. A weakness in the sleep system can be manifested as difficulties falling and/or staying asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, or early-morning awakenings.
11. Misdiagnosed Narcolepsy
Physicians often mistake the symptoms of narcolepsy for those of depression or other disorders. Sometimes the sleepiness is thought to be a side effect of medication and cataplectic attacks have been misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures.
12. Relieving RLS Symptoms
Any type of physical exercise that involves moving the legs can often help relieve the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome.
13. Safety and Sleepiness
Many auto accidents are caused by drivers who fall asleep or are too tired to respond to an emergency in time. A sleepy driver is a dangerous driver. Shift workers who don´t get enough sleep are also vulnerable to accidents. Don´t operate any machinery if you´re sleepy.
14. Exercise Helps Insomniacs
Regular aerobic exercise can help insomniacs regain the ability to achieve restful sleep. Exercise is especially likely to help if you´ve been sedentary. Don´t exercise too close to bedtime, though.
15. Food Clues To Sleeplessness
If you occasionally have trouble falling asleep at night, there are some dietary factors that may be at fault. A big meal or a meal high in protein in the evening, eating too late at night, or consuming caffeine or alcohol, can interfere with sleep.
16. Herbs Aid Sleep
The herb valerian, taken as a tea, can help occasional sleep problems. Ask your doctor before trying it, and don´t take any sleep preparation regularly or you may become dependent on it.