Have you ever found yourself felt hard falling asleep? If you have and if it often happens, it means that you have got “Insomnia”.
The definition of Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder where the sufferer finds it difficult to fall and/or stay asleep. People with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Feeling tired upon waking
• Waking up too early in the morning
• Waking up often during the night and having trouble getting back to sleep
Types of Insomnia
There are two types of insomnia: primary insomnia and secondary insomnia.
• Primary insomnia: This type of insomnia is when the sufferer has sleep problems that are not directly associated with any other health condition or problem.
• Secondary insomnia: And this type is when the sufferer has sleep problems because of something else, such as a health condition like asthma, depression, arthritis,cancer or heartburn; pain; medicine being taken; or a substance being used, like alcohol.
Acute Insomnia and Chronic Insomnia
Insomnia comes in some varies, if we categorize it in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. It can be short-term (acute insomnia) or it can last a long time (chronic insomnia). It can also come and go, with periods of time when a person has no sleep problems. Acute insomnia can last from one night to a few weeks. Insomnia is called “chronic” when a person has insomnia at least three nights a week for a month or longer.
The Causes of Insomnia
Causes of acute insomnia include:
• Significant life stress (such as losing or changing your job, death of a loved one, divorce, moving home).
• Illness.
• Emotional or physical discomfort.
• Environmental factors like noise, light or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep.
• Some medicines (for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure and asthma) may interfere with sleep.
• Interferences in your normal sleep routine (such as jet lag or switching from a day to night shift).
The Causes of chronic insomnia include:
• Chronic stress.
• Depression and/or anxiety.
• Pain or discomfort at night.
The Symptoms of insomnia
Symptoms of insomnia can include:
• Irritability.
• General tiredness.
• Sleepiness during the day.
• Problems with concentration or memory.
Diagnosing insomnia
If you feel one of the symptoms of insomnia, it is better for you to see a doctor. He or she may carry out an evaluation which may include a medical history, sleep history, and physical examination. He/she may asks you to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, keeping track of your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day. And it is necessary for him/her to know your bed partner about the quantity and quality of your sleep. In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center for special tests.
How to Treat insomnia?
It may not require treatment for acute insomnia. Mild insomnia can often be prevented or cured by practicing good sleep habits. If your insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day because you are sleepy and tired, your doctor may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time. Rapid onset, short-acting medications can help you avoid side effects such as drowsiness the following day.
Treatment for chronic insomnia includes first treating any underlying conditions or health problems that are causing the insomnia. If insomnia continues, your doctor may suggest behavioral therapy. Behavioral approaches help you to change behavior that may worsen insomnia and to learn new behavior to promote sleep. Techniques such as relaxation exercises sleep restriction therapy and reconditioning may be useful.
I hope this article will help you to know well about Insomnia.
