Medical workers in the city of Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province offered advice for residents promoting sleep disorder prevention and management on March 21, this year's World Sleep Day, themed 'Good Sleep is a Reachable Dream'.

According to China Sleep Research Society, the incidence of sleep disorders among adults is 38 percent, with most people not being aware of the factors that influence sleep quality, of which psychology plays a very important part.

"We spend one third of our lives sleeping. People often wonder why little sleep reduces concentration and excessive sleep causes even deeper tiredness," said Quan Zhuansheng, psychosomatic director of the city's mental health center.

Quan pointed out that anxiety is the most common reason for sleep disorders. In the era of Internet, the increasingly indifferent relationship between people adds to the difficulty of emotional venting, increasing the chance of sleep disorder. Changing seasons, climate and age are some other possible causes.

In recent years, more and more people come to the hospital without taking the problem seriously, said Quan. In fact, many diseases like anxiety disorders, depression and psychosis have sleep disorders as an early symptom, and the doctor recommended early treatment.

"It is patients' worries instead of the disease itself that really matters," said Quan. He advised that peace of mind is critical to a good sleep. A healthy lifestyle, an appropriate sleeping posture and a sound sleeping environment also help improve sleep quality.

Traditional Chinese medicine considers diet to have an impact on sleep. Chen Guoqiang, director of the traditional Chinese medicine department in AoYoung Hospital, recommended light food that is easily digested for dinner and not to overeat.

A healthy person generally has enough sleep, moderate exercise and healthy psychology, said Chen. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, residents shouldn't eat oily or spicy food in spring. Sugar candy, lotus-nuts, sweet soups and red date porridge are some recommended foods for this time of year.