Poor sleep affecting your dreaming?

By Delphi Ellis

Science has shown that we all dream every night, even if we don't remember them. Essentially, if you're sleeping, then you're definitely dreaming.

However, your dreaming may well be affected by poor sleep and if you're not getting enough sleep then other things, such as your memory and your performance may well be affected too.

Did you know it is estimated that sleep disorders affect approximately 770,000 people in the United Kingdom and that one in three of us will suffer from insomnia during our lifetime? So, how well are you sleeping? See how well you do, answering these questions based on recent events:

When you're sitting reading or watching TV, do you frequently doze off to sleep?
Do you regularly need an afternoon nap?
Do you find yourself dozing off at work or feel 'muzzy headed' in the mornings?
Do you feel sleepy if sitting quietly after lunch?

If you answered 'yes' to these questions, you may well not be sleeping efficiently.

Sleep assessments can help determine how well you're sleeping (or not) but in the meantime, here are some basic tips on how to improve your sleep:

Avoid stimulants before bedtime, such as caffiene (coffee, tea, cola). Even decaffinated products can contain a small trace of caffeine.
Avoid alcohol. Although alcohol can cause drowsiness, it will cause sleep disruption later in the night.
Avoid heavy meals up to three hours before bedtime (a light snack can help, if you tend to wake up hungry in the night).
Avoid smoking. Nicotine is a stimulant.
Make sure your room is not too hot or cold, or too noisy. Use ear plugs if possible and eye shades.

Remember, if you are at all concerned about your sleep (or lack of it), or worried about your health and well being, you should speak to a suitable medical professional in the first instance.

In the meantime, hold on to your dreams...