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Insomnia

Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Lack of sleep can be a serious problem, contributing to irritability, sleepiness at work, and problems with concentration and memory.

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About Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by the difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. People with insomnia usually have one or more of the following symptoms:

Difficulty falling asleep:
Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
Waking up too early in the morning
Feeling tired upon waking

There are two types of insomnia: primary insomnia and secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems that are not directly associated with any other health condition or problem. Secondary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems because of something else such as a health condition, pain, and/or medication they are taking or a substance they are using (drugs/alcohol).

Insomnia also varies in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. It can be short term which is called acute insomnia or it can last a long time which is called 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 had insomnia for at least three nights a week for a month or longer.

Some causes of acute insomnia are:
*Significant life stress such as a job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving, etc.
Illness.
*Emotional or physical discomfort.
*Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures that interfere with sleep.
*Some medications (like those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma) may interfere with sleep.
*Interferences in normal sleep schedule such as jet lag or from switching from a day to night shift.

Some causes of chronic insomnia are:
*Depression and/or anxiety.
*Chronic stress.
*Pain or discomfort at night.

Insomnia can contribute to sleepiness during the day, general tiredness, Irritability, and problems with concentration or memory.

If you think you have insomnia, talk to your health care provider. An evaluation may include a physical exam, a medical history, and a sleep history. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, to keep track of your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day. In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center for some special testing.

Acute insomnia may not require treatment. Mild insomnia often can 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 health care provider may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time. Treatment for chronic insomnia includes first treating any underlying conditions or health problems that are causing the insomnia. If insomnia continues, your health care provider may suggest behavioral therapy.

Some good sleep habits you can try are:

Try to go to sleep at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning.
Try not to take naps during the day because naps may make you less sleepy at night.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day.
Get regular exercise but try not to exercise close to bedtime because it may stimulate you and make it harder to fall asleep.
Don't eat a heavy meal late in the day. A light snack before bedtime may help you sleep.
Make your bedroom comfortable. It should be dark, quiet, and not too warm or too cold.
Follow a routine to help you relax before sleep. Read a book, listen to music, or take a bath.
Avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep or sex.
If you can't fall asleep and don't feel drowsy, get up and read or do something that is not overly stimulating until you feel sleepy.
If you find yourself lying awake worrying about things, try making a to do list before you go to bed.

Created by vickiz

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Insomnia