On average, people need about 7 1/2 hours of sleep to feel refreshed. For some, five hours. Others don't feel right unless they get nine hours of sleep, according to doctors. The best way to induce sleep is to establish a good routine that doctors call “good sleep hygiene,” which includes several variables from a comfy bed to a one-hour “wind-down period.” During this wind-down period, doctors suggest soothing activities such as reading or listening to classical music. And your bed, they say, should be used for sleep and sex - not for writing bills or hashing out a work proposal. If you do find yourself tossing and turning, avoid turning on the TV or flicking on the computer because they are actually stimulating. “I read mathematics books; that works for me,” said Weissman. Many doctors also frown upon the use of medication to induce slumber and say it often masks underlying problems such as depression or another health issue such as a heart condition or sleep apnea. Lacey said most people with sleep troubles try to fix the problem by self-medicating with over-the-counter sleep aids or alcohol. But it's a dangerous cycle, he warns. “Most of these medications are not very well-suited for the problem because they stay in the system too long and make you feel groggy. You are bludgeoning yourself to sleep, and this is not to anyone's long-term health interest,” said Lacey. “It needs to be delved into and see what's behind it.” In many cases, patients battling for sleep suffer from sleep apnea, depression or anxiety - all of which typically need medical or psychological intervention. Back at the sleep lab at DeKalb Medical, Walker is undergoing a sleep study known as a polysomnogram, tracking her eye movement, air flow and brain activity. After four hours of sleep, she jolts awake and can't slip back into sleep. She's at her wit's end, increasingly frustrated with every toss and turn. Working has become increasingly difficult, and she finds herself sometimes napping in her car. And even though her body is overwhelmed by exhaustion, she still finds herself up worrying at night about everything from what to make her mom for breakfast the next morning to meeting a deadline at work. Valerie Reid, director of DeKalb's sleep lab, later said Walker suffers from sleep apnea. Walker is glad to know the reason behind her insomnia, and she's looking forward to weighing the treatment options. Above everything, she's looking forward to a refreshing night's sleep. __
