Sleep deprivation is becoming far too common in our 24/7 world, and recent studies of North Americans confirm that insomnia and other sleep disorders affect a high percentage of men, women and even children.
In case you are one of these people, and even if you aren’t, here are some web resources about sleep and improving your sleep!
“Your Guide to Healthy Sleep” - www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/healthy_sleep.pdf
This 68-page guide covers the value of sleep, sleep disrupters and disorders, determining what is an adequate amount of sleep, and more. Published by the U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, this very useful guide is in pdf format.
The Sleep Foundation - www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeplibrary/
Learn all about sleep and its benefits, as well as the possible dangers of sleep deprivation and of excessive sleepiness from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF).
The Better Sleep Council - www.bettersleep.org/
The Better Sleep Council offers tips for a good night’s sleep, as well as information about mattresses. Especially helpful is an online booklet, the “Better Sleep Guide”. The Council is a nonprofit organization supported by the mattress industry.
The Mayo Clinic: Stress - www.mayoclinic.com/
Can’t sleep because of the stress in your life? The Mayo Clinic may be able to help! Click on “Healthy Living” and on “Stress”, and learn about recognizing stress symptoms, relieving and managing stress both at home and at work.
Kids Health - www.kidshealth.org/
Lots of information about sleep problems and sleep issues among children and teens is available on the very comprehensive Kids Health web site, by entering the word “sleep” in the search function.
Tips Stratford Public Library now has access to Knowledge Ontario Resources! These resources are online databases that can provide quick and easy access to millions of journal, newspaper, and encyclopedia articles. Try out the Knowledge Ontario sources today - all available with your library card number. http://www.stratford.library.on.ca/databases.htm
Sleep Apnea: the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (U.S.) -www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/SleepApnea/SleepApnea_WhatIs.html
Sleep apnea is a common disorder, one that disrupts restful and deep sleep. This online resource explores the types, causes, symptoms and treatments of sleep apnea.
Nightmares and Disorders of Dreaming - www.aafp.org/afp/20000401/2037.html The American Academy of Family Physicians provides an extensive fact sheet, applicable to all ages, on the effects of nightmares and dreams on the quality of sleep.
Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet - www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm
This useful fact sheet provides details about Restless Legs Syndrome, a disorder which often robs its patients of uninterrupted sleep at night. Prepared by the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Sleep Clinics in Canada - www.css.to/sleep/centres.htm
You can find the closest sleep clinic to you with the help of this Canada-wide web site. The list is maintained by the Canadian Sleep Society. A list of sleep specialists is also offered.
The Sleep Institute of Ontario - www.sleepinstitute.com
Some useful links to sleep-related information can be obtained on the web site of Ontario’s Sleep Institute.
