We all know we are not as sharp and productive after a poor night’s rest. Millions of Americans are afflicted with sleeping disorders. It is important for athletes to get healthy amounts of sleep in order to get a competitive edge on their competition. 

What are the most common sleep disorders?
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders and is often a function of some other issue, be it physical or emotional. In short, insomnia is the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or accrue the needed amount of sleep each night. Symptoms of insomnia are:

• Having a hard time falling asleep
• Waking up multiple times during the night
• Having a hard time returning to sleep
• Waking up before a completed night of sleep
• Waking up and not feeling rested in the morning
• Being tired during the day
• Having a hard time focusing on tasks during the day
• Being cranky during the day

Sleep apnea occurs when sleep is interrupted by one’s inability to breath for short periods of time during sleep.  People that suffer from sleep apnea are unable to reach their full productive potential after a night of poor sleep.

Exercise and its relationship to sleep
It's important to recognize the benefits of exercise and developing healthy sleeping patterns. Exercise can actually cause sleep disturbances when done at the wrong time of day. It's recommended to avoid exercising at least three hours before bedtime, and the best time is usually late afternoon. Exercising at this time is beneficial because body temperature is related to sleep. Body temperatures rise during exercise and take as long as six hours to begin to drop.

Sleeping tips and how to seek treatment

• Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day can help the body get into a routine
• It is best to avoid large meals and drinking too much liquid before bed
• Do not consume alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine a few hours before bed time
• Make sure your bedroom is set to a comfortable temperature, is dark, and is quiet
• Do not nap too much during the day; you won’t be sleepy at night

If poor sleeping habits are interfering with your ability to complete daily tasks, it is likely time to seek the advice of a doctor. Your doctor will be able to conduct tests, diagnose sleeping disorders, and provide solutions to help you achieve a restful night's sleep.