Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep a long as desired. This is a sleep disorder that millions of people all over the world struggle constantly with it people with insomnia have difficulty either falling asleep or stay asleep for long enough to completely relax the body thus they wake up still feeling fatigued. It is often thought of as a symptom that can accompany several medical and psychiatric disorders. The common causes of Insomnia include;

SLEEP HYGIENE

Poor sleep hygiene such as

Eating just before sleeping

Exercise prior to sleep

Going to be hungry

Doing work in bed-can trigger insomnia in persons

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Certain medical conditions can induce insomnia

Asthma,

Congestive heart failure,

Obesity,

Chronic pain,

Acid reflux

Parkinson’s disease e.t.c

If insomnia is caused by any of these medical conditions, it’s best to seek professional help fast.

PSYCHIATRIC CONDITIONS

It is often said that there is no sleep for the eyes whilst the mind is still awake.  An unsettled mind would find it pretty difficult to fall asleep. Hence conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, post traumatic stress disorder can cause insomnia.

Other likely causes of insomnia include

Menopause, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, fever, pain, illicit drug use, excess caffeine in the system, smoking alcohol intoxication, grief, physical discomfort, jet lag, un-familiar environment.

 Insomnia is very common and affects people of all ages however it is most rampant in elderly. Insomnia is commonly separated into three types:

TRANSIENT INSOMNIA: It is very short phase of sleeplessness, lasting less than a week in most cases

ACUTE INSOMNIA:  Acute insomnia also called short-term insomnia or stress related insomnia, it is the inability to consistently initiate or maintain sleep for a short period of time (less than a month, usually for about three weeks).

CHRONIC INSOMNIA: As the name goes, it is the highest form of insomnia usually lasting over a month. The majority of chronic insomnia are secondary thus they are symptoms of other health conditions or diseases. People with high levels of stress hormones or shifts in the levels of cytokines are more vulnerable to chronic insomnia

UGLY SIDE EFFECTS OF INSOMNIA

Insomnia is a very difficult condition on its own, yet it causes several other Psychological and Physical harm to people suffering from it. Some of the very ugly side effects on insomnia include

1.     OBESITY

Recent research focused on the link between sleep and the peptides [Ghrelin and Leptin] that regulates appetite (Ghrelin stimulates hunger and Leptin signals satiety to the brain and suppress appetite) show that reduced sleep time is associated with decrease in Leptin and increase in Ghrelin levels thus stimulating appetite and not just appetite, it increases the cravings for high-fat and high-carbohydrate foods. People who sleep less than six hours a day are almost 30% more likely to become obsess than those who slept seven to nine hours (2004 study).

2.     DEPRESSION

In a 2007 study of 10,000 people, those with insomnia were five times more likely to get depressed compared to others without insomnia. Insomnia and depression are twin-evil and most often accompany each other, Sleep loss often aggravates the symptoms of depression, and depression can make sleeping more difficult.

3.     KILLS SEX DRIVE

Research conducted by sleep specialist, have shown that sleep-deprived individuals have lower libidos and less sex interest.

4.     IMPAIRS JUDGMENT

Lack of sleep affects ones interpretation of things and events thus affecting ability to make good judgment of things.

5.     FORGETFULNESS

It is important to get quality sleep if you want to keep your memory sharp.  An American and French research conducted in 2009 to determine that brain events called “sharp wave ripples” are responsible for consolidating memory, the ripples also transfer learned information from the hippo campus to the neo-cortex of the brain, where long term memories are stored; Sharp wave ripples occur mostly during the deepest levels of sleep.

6.     AGING FAST

Persistent sleep loss can lead to lackluster skin, fine lines and dark circles may start to appear under the skin. When you don’t sleep right, your body reacts by releasing more stress hormone (cortisol). The cortisol released can break down the skin collagen (which is the protein that keeps the skin smooth and elastic). Sleep loss can also impair growth.

7.     SERIOUS HEALTH COMPLICATIONS

Although insomnia can be a symptom of some health conditions, chronic insomnia can put one at risk of several deadly health problems such as:

Heart disease

Heart attack/ failure

High blood pressure

Stroke

Diabetes

8.     DEATH

Well we had it coming, with all the complications that accompany chronic insomnia it is no surprise to see that at the end of it. A research on 100,00 British civil servants in 2007, showed that those who reduced their sleep time from 7 to 5 hours or less at night, had a doubled risk of death compared to others who had a  lengthy sleep. 

The good news however is that insomnia itself is very treatable, do consult your doctor or psychiatrist for professional help. Many people with insomnia feel more refreshed when they get proper treatment and finally begin to sleep properly….Good Luck!!!

Anti-aging products are used for averting or slowing down the effects of aging among individuals. Some of them have been around for a long time while others are newly introduced. The desire of many people to look younger has enhanced the anti-aging product industry into a multi-billion dollar one.

Anti-aging products are traceable to ancient Egypt when herbs like olive leaves were used to promote longevity. In other cultures like India and China, there were developed traditions of herbal usage and the traditions are still kept up till now. In modern times, these products are used to bring down the physical appearance of aging like sun spots, wrinkles and skin damage. Some of them are targeted at middle-aged people so that the effect of aging would be reversed. Other products are produced in form of preservatives so that aging could be stopped or slowed down before it begins. There are lots of anti-aging products in the market and they can be grouped into three major categories; hormones, anti-oxidants and herbal products. Hormones do not affect aging process directly but they mask its symptoms and that is why they are referred to as reverse-aging products. Anti-oxidants are some of the popular products around and they include vitamins like A, C and E. They are useful for removing free radicals in the system before damaged cells can lead to aging. Herbal or natural products are becoming more popular by the day. They include various herbs and plant medicines that are used for reversing or preventing the symptoms of aging. Other anti-aging products are vitamin supplements, magnets, skin creams, live cell injections, special diets and so on. The major benefits of anti-aging products are topical in nature. They assist in the reduction of wrinkles which can make a person look 15 years younger or more. Physical benefits can lead to psychological benefits as someone who looks younger will be made to feel young which will boost the confidence and self-esteem of the user of the products. They can also be adapted to the need of an individual in order to solve certain problems. However, before making use of any of these products, it is important to carry out necessary research on them. The extended use of some of them can lead to serious damage of some organs of the body. For instance, the liver can be damaged; by large doses of vitamin A for an extended period. Let's face it. When we purchase anti aging wrinkle creams, we rarely ever look at the label. So long as our favorite celebrities are endorsing it, and those yummy anti-wrinkle ingredients are marked as advertised, then we're good to go. What you don't know can kill you, as one saying goes and while I don't want to be that melancholic about it, the truth is, there might be seriously hazardous compounds in your anti-wrinkle firming cream that you probably overlooked when you took it off the shelf. Some of them may cause something as easily treatable as a wee little rash, but others, something as deadly as cancer. Here are the most commonly present harmful compounds in anti-wrinkle creams:
 1. Parabens Dirt cheap and easy to develop, Parabens is incorporated in many moisturizing creams to prolong shelf life. The bad news?-It is a carcinogen that mimics estrogen, thus increasing breast cancer risk. It is also allergenic.
 2. Acrylamide While studies have mostly been conducted on mice, Acrylamide has been shown to cause cancers and tumors, and is also Neurotoxic.
 3. Fragrances We know how addicting it can be to apply scented cream on your face, but it's always wiser to choose odorless ones. Fragrances are often synthetic, with many of them formulated using cancerous ingredients such as toluene, a component found in some anti aging wrinkle creams and sunscreens. Not only does it cause liver and kidney damage and anemia, it also directly affects fetal development.
 4. Propylene Glycol Used as a moisturizing compound, fragrance and emulsifier, propylene glycol prevents healthy skin cells from growing and causes skin irritation. It also has the potential to damage the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer.
 5. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Found in at least 90 percent of anti-wrinkle firming creams and other skincare solutions this synthetic compound result to skin dryness and premature ageing. It also penetrates the skin's natural barrier and easily binds with harmful chemicals like nitrosamine, which is highly carcinogenic.
 6. Phenol (Carbolic Acid) Effective in killing bacteria and microorganisms, phenol is often added to skincare products as a cleansing agent and exfoliant. However, it causes skin dryness and irritation, not to mention convulsions and paralysis. In severe cases, prolonged heavy use may cause coma and respiratory arrest.
 7. Ethanolamines (diethanolamine/ DEA, monoethanolamine/ MEA, triethanolamine/ TEA) Incorporated in a few anti-wrinkle firming creams to create balanced skin pH, ethanolamine has been discontinued in skin care products in Europe due to its carcinogenic and allergenic properties. Reports reveal eye irritation, skin dryness and hypersensitivity reactions.
 8. Padimate-O A PABA derivative (itself a hazardous sunscreen ingredient), this water-soluble compound is commonly found in sunscreens as well as anti aging wrinkle creams that offer sun protection. Padimate-O releases free radicals in the body, which increases skin cancer risk. Before you grab your next jar of anti-wrinkle cream - or any other skin care product for that matter - check the labels for these ingredients. Maybe you won’t easily get any product that doesn't include any of the fore mentioned ingredients (the product does need them to work it’s just an excess that will likely damage your skin and cause other harmful effects on you). But a good product should have limited quantity of such products and be mild on your skin always go for recommended products.

If your aim is to be lively and robust in your 80s and 90s, you'll need to learn some anti-aging secrets that focus on the mind, body and spirit. You are an integrated model -- there are many aspects of a healthy life that rely on each other. Anecdotal information and science have both shown this to be true [source: Luskin]. Crush the spirit and the body will follow. Stimulate the mind and your mood will lighten. Exercise the body and your mind will be sharper. In many ways, these anti-aging tips are interdependent.

It is true that one of the biggest keys to a long and healthy life is choosing your parents wisely. That, of course, isn't truly a choice, [it’s not like we get to pick who our parents would be] but it is wise to acknowledge the enormous role that heredity plays in health. But the good news is you're not a slave to your family's past. New research shows that the brain has an amazing amount of plasticity [source: Doidge]. Impending health conditions can be planned for and bypassed. Even mood and perspective can be relearned and practiced for Stress-Avoidance [ Stress- that word always seem to jump out  in every health condition] Truth is if you really want to lead a long and fulfilled life you must understand how to manage stress.

You can play a role in the length and quality of your life. You just have to learn how -- and take action. Here are really simple ways to make your skin look younger and take ages off your physique. No going under the knife, No costly surgeries or extensive treatments:

ü Protect Your Skin From The Harmful Rays Of The Sun.

One of the top culprits of premature skin aging is unprotected exposure to the sun. Sun worshippers, beware. Sun damage is cumulative so every time you expose your skin to the sun unprotected, your rate of developing wrinkles, age spots, and skin discolorations would be much higher and not to mention, much faster. To protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, it's very important to wear sunscreen every time you are going out. It is very important though to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to get the most benefits. A non broad-spectrum sunscreen just won't cut it. It's also good to wear protective clothing and accessories especially if you are staying out for long periods of time outside. Avoiding the sun when it rays are the strongest is still the best, but if you just can’t  stay away from the sun, ensure you are protected, reapply your sunscreen every two hours especially if you're doing outdoor activities. Be careful though not all sunscreen are quite good for your skin. No matter how companies market their sunblock as age defying, many sunscreens contain Retinyl Palmitate or Retinol, which when exposed to sunlight, increases one's cancer risk. There are also many that contain harmful Parabens, PABA, Oxybenzone and Avobenzone. It is wise to use sunblock when you will be massively exposed for hours under the sun, but not when you're just going to the office. Instead, stock up on healthful foods that offer sun protection like Omega 3s. You may also want to supplement with Omega 3 Products. Not only do they keep your heart healthy, it also lends moisture and can make your skin look younger.

ü Stay Away From Sugar
Simple carbohydrates and white foods including rice, pasta, white bread, and refined sugar are easily broken down into sugar. This sugar bonds with proteins to result to a process called advanced Glycation, wherein the body's natural collagen - proteins that keep the skin firm and elastic - swell up and harden, thus causing wrinkling.

ü Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise is a must-do for anyone committed to slowing the aging process. Hundreds of studies show that exercise combats the loss of stamina, muscle strength, balance and bone density that increases with age. The American Heart Association advises doing a single set of 8to 15 repetitions, using 8 to 10 exercises, two to three times a week for a comprehensive strength-building program.

ü  Watch Your Diet
Poor dietary choices can inflame skin cells and causes sagging, wrinkles and premature aging. Protect your skin by consuming vitamin- and antioxidant-rich foods. Beta-carotene rich foods like sweet potatoes and carrots keep the skin smooth and moist. Oily fish like salmon is a rich source of Astaxanthin, which counters free radicals that destroys skin cells and cause premature aging. Tomatoes have Lycopene and Citrus fruits contain Bioflavonoids (apart from collagen-regenerating vitamin C), antioxidants that prevent cell damage from sunlight exposure. Leafy vegetables also offer protection against sun damage. Add quality wine to your diet, Red wine particularly ones made from grapes, are a rich source of antioxidants, grape seed oil and resveratrol that make your skin look younger

ü Clean and Moisturize Your Skin

Daily cleansing and moisturizing are essential to achieving healthy and young looking skin. It removes trapped dirt and oil from your pores and helps keep your skin supple and well hydrated. It's very important though to use products that suit your skin type. Avoid strong soaps and facial products that strip away your skin's natural oils and instead, use mild cleansers. Go all natural if possible. It's also good to indulge in monthly facial skin treatments to keep your skin in tip top shape.

 

ü Sleep

You may have heard people say "I'll sleep when I die." Truth is their lack of sleep may actually precipitate death. Oops! I don’t mean to be so blunt but that’s true. Research shows that if you sleep less than six hours a night, you are at far greater risk of having a heart attack or experiencing a stroke [source: Roizen and Oz]. What's more, your mind seems to deteriorate at a faster pace.

On an emotional level, a lack of sleep makes you less peaceful and more prone to anger. Sicknesses related to viral infections are also more prevalent among people lacking proper rest. Eight hours of sleep each night is important for your current physical health, as well as your mood and your longevity [source: Roizen and Oz].

ü AVOID SMOKING

Smoking is a vice that benefits no one. Apart from putting your health at risk, smoking can also make you look much older than you actually are. Every puff of that stick narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, which in effect significantly decreases the flow of blood. As we all know, the blood supplies our body with the essential nutrients that it needs. A decrease in blood flow can deplete the skin of all the oxygen and nutrients that is important to maintain healthy looking skin. It damages collagen and Elastin, which are the two important fibers that give the skin its elasticity and suppleness. Without it, lines on your face would be much more pronounced and you'll have an overall sullen aura that is not attractive at all. Do your skin a favor and quit smoking before it's too late.