Sleep is an important part of our lives. We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. For millions of people,{{U}} (51) {{/U}}, getting enough sleep is a continuing struggle. A recent study found that thirty-five percent of Americans have{{U}} (52) {{/U}}going to sleep or staying asleep. The problem is called insomnia. Insomnia exists{{U}} (53) {{/U}}a person is not able to get the{{U}} (54) {{/U}}of sleep needed to operate effectively. Insomnia is not{{U}} (55) {{/U}}in numbers of hours of sleep. This is because different people need{{U}} (56) {{/U}}amounts of sleep to feel rested. The most common problems{{U}} (57) {{/U}}from insomnia are sleepiness and trouble in completing work. Other problems are emotional disorders and difficulty{{U}} (58) {{/U}}thinking. The treatments for{{U}} (59) {{/U}}were discussed at a recent meeting of the Association of Professional Sleep Societies. The group's sleep experts say there are three kinds of insomnia. One{{U}} (60) {{/U}}is called transient insomnia. It{{U}} (61) {{/U}}just a few days. It is a result of moderate tension. The tension can be caused by a long airplane flight or a brief stay in a hospital.{{U}} (62) {{/U}}kind is called short-term insomnia. It lasts several weeks and results from more{{U}} (63) {{/U}}tension. The tension may be caused by problems at work or at home, a major sickness or the death of a loved one. The third kind of insomnia is called{{U}} (64) {{/U}}. It lasts longer than several weeks. It often is a sign of severe physical or{{U}} (65) {{/U}}problems. Sleep experts say anyone with long-term insomnia should be examined so the cause can be found and treated.
Many things we eat or drink can affect our{{U}} (66) {{/U}}. Drinks containing alcohol or caffeine can block sleep.{{U}} (67) {{/U}}can some medicines. Other causes of insomnia include breathing problems or sudden, uncontrolled body movements during sleep. Because insomnia has so many causes, not all treatments are{{U}} (68) {{/U}}for everyone. But experts have offered some simple ideas that work for most people. If{{U}} (69) {{/U}}to sleep, they say, get up and go to another room, if possible. Stay up until you are really{{U}} (70) {{/U}}, them return to bed. Get up at the same time every day. Do not exercise just before going to bed. And, do not worry about past problems or future plans.