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But an explosion in sleep research over the past few years has helped to identify the neurological and mental processes underlying it. Yet, for decades, scientists had struggled to offer a good solution. It is also one that has far-reaching health and economic impacts. That may be a familiar feeling for many: insomnia is a common condition. Parker’s character experienced such angst from her unwanted wakefulness that she considered “busting over the temple with a night-light”. The more you try to create the right conditions for sleep, the more elusive it appears the very desire makes it impossible to achieve. You will almost certainly relate to this frustration if you have ever found it difficult to nod off. “Early to bed, and you’ll wish you were dead. What is depression? A Mayo Clinic expert explains.How do people fall asleep? I’m afraid I’ve lost the knack,” muses the unnamed protagonist in Dorothy Parker’s 1933 short story The Little Hours.Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?.CPAP machines: Tips for avoiding 10 common problems.Clinical depression: What does that mean?.Antidepressants: Which cause the fewest sexual side effects?.Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you.Antidepressants: Can they stop working?.Antidepressants and weight gain: What causes it?.Antidepressants and alcohol: What's the concern?.
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Approaches include meditation, imagery and muscle relaxation. These techniques help you calm your mind and body. You may learn tips that can help you sleep better, such as ways to wind down an hour or two before bedtime. Not getting regular physical activity also can lead to poor sleep. Change habits that lead to poor sleep, such as smoking, drinking too much caffeine late in the day and drinking too much alcohol. But once your sleep gets better, your time in bed is slowly increased. This makes you more tired the next night. If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and don't go back to bed until you're sleepy. Lying in bed when you're awake can become a habit that leads to poor sleep. Depending on your needs, your sleep specialist may recommend that you:
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