Sleep Problems and Sleep Disorders There's nothing quite like waking up after a great night of sleep, ready to face the challenges and pleasures of a brand new day. Unfortunately, sleep is often disturbed by one of several common sleep disorders . Sleep disorders fall into several categories. Sometimes insomnia involves not being able to get to sleep, and sometimes it means you can't stay asleep. Sometimes you can sleep like a log, but are risking other health problems, as in teeth grinding, sleep walking, or sleep apnea, in which you stop breathing while you are asleep. Causes of Sleep Disorders The causes of the various sleep disorders vary from psychological causes, like stress and anxiety or depression , to physical problems like obesity. Medications can cause you to sleep too shallowly or to deeply, or can cause restless legs. Women are more likely to suffer sleep disorders, with the hormonal cycle sometimes causing sleep problems. Alcohol or drug abuse can cause sleep d

Somatic Symptom Disorder (Somatization Disorder) Somatic Symptom Disorder  (previously called  Somatoform Disorder  or  Somatization Disorder ), also known as the Briquet’s Disorder and in some cases, Hysteria (meaning frenzy or panic), is characterized by persistent complains of physical discomfort or malfunctioning without an identifiable physical symptom. Some of the most common complains are related to the head, abdomen, joints, chest, rectum and back and sufferers may also complain of functional difficulties such as altered menstrual cycles, inability to perform sexually and digestion related difficulties. Somatization Disorder is one of the commonest somatoform disorders (psychological distresses expressed in the form of physical symptoms) that have been identified by psychosomatic therapists. Up to 2% of adult females and 0.2% of adult males and a considerable number of children and adolescents are said to be suffering from this disorder throughout the world. In order to diagnos

  Relaxation Meditation for Anxiety Relief:  Mindfulness Breathing Meditation Exercise Does Meditation Help with Anxiety Meditation can be one of the best activities you can do for yourself when dealing with mental stress, anxiety and panic attacks . Medications, drugs, and therapies are some options people seek for help. There are more natural ways to deal with anxiety attack symptoms and disorders such as meditation. When a person’s body is relaxed in the meditated state they feel less stressed, tense, and their mind is at ease. The person tends to recognize that they are in control and gives the person a chance to take a break during their busy day and rids certain stressors. Meditation diminishes bad thoughts and helps people heal from anxiety attack and panic symptoms. Overall a person who habitually performs meditative acts will be a better rounded person. (Aside from relaxation, meditation can also help you improve your concentration. You learn how to focus your attenti

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a stress management technique developed by Edmund Jacobson, Physical Therapist in early 1920s. According to Jacobson, since mental stress and anxiety accompanies muscular tension, one can reduce stress and anxiety  by learning to relax muscle tension.  Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation  ( JPMR ) technique (exercise/therapy) is still popular among modern physiotherapists as well as psychotherapists. In this article you will find a detailed discussion on PMR and 2 Quick Progressive Muscle Relaxation scripts ... What Is Progressive Muscle Relaxation Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) can be defined as a relaxation response to daily stressors. It is a psychophysical therapy that can be used to reduce tension and physical pain, and to help clients learn to be more conscious of their own bodily sensations and body posture. It comprises a sequence of techniques designed to systematically relax specific

How to Deal with Depression Depression leaves devastation in its wake, but fortunately there is something that can be done about it. At this day and age, people are more aware of the harmful impact that untreated depression can lead to. Modern advances have more or less minimized the recurrence of depression once identified and treated. Knowing how to deal with depression will definitely save a life, yours or a loved one’s. Depression occurs more commonly than we think, and has varying impact to a person’s life. Depending on the individual lifestyle, coping mechanism and personality, it could range from manageable to disastrous. Symptoms could also vary, and a depressed person may exhibit frequent emotional down-times manifested through crying. It may also affect sexual desire, alienation from family and friends, as well as difficulty in finding meaning in life. A person with depression is also disinterested in participating in group activities, and may end up neglecting personal an