A full night’s sleep

Good English skills are usually helpful when advising foreign-language customers. PTA-Forum has compiled the most important vocabulary, questions and advice on the subject of "sleep disorders".

Everybody needs sufficient sleep in order to regenerate physically and mentally. How much sleep is needed varies considerably from person to person. Some people can manage with four to five hours, others need eight to nine hours. As a rule, the amount of sleep needed gradually decreases with increasing age. When sleep no longer provides rest and recuperation, those affected feel tired and have little energy during the day. As a result, they frequently seek help by using some medication.

Here antihistamines and herbal medicines are available for self-medication. But over-the-counter drugs can only be a short-term solution. If the sleep disorder continues for longer than two weeks and if the cause is not clear, the persons affected should consult a doctor. Only he can clarify if any medication is causing the disorder or if a serious illness is at the root of the symptoms.

Important questions for the consultation

• Which symptoms do you have in detail?
• Do you have difficulties falling asleep?
• Do you repeatedly wake up at night and then cannot fall asleep again?
• Do you wake up very early in the morning and then cannot sleep again?
• Do you have any other ailments, which affect your sleep?
• Do you know of any reason for your sleep problems?
• Since when do you have difficulties sleeping?
• Have you already taken any medicine for your sleep disorder?
• Do you take any medication regularly?
• Do you prefer to take herbal medicine?

Information on the correct application of the recommended preparation

• Only take the medication for a short period of time.
• Take the medication about one hour before you wish to go to sleep or about eight hours before you wish to get up.
• Always take the right dose as prescribed. If you take too little or too much, the opposite effect may be achieved.
• The medication may slow down your reactions, for example when driving on the following day.

Additional Information

• If the problems have not subsided within two weeks, you should consult a doctor.
• In the case of very bad sleep disorders over a longer period of time, you should consult a doctor.
• I recommend that you take a short walk every evening.
• Do not drink any coffee or tea after 4 p.m. and only little alcohol in the evenings.
• Make sure there are a few hours between your last full meal and your bedtime.