Insomnia is too little or poor-quality sleep. Do you have trouble falling asleep? Are you waking up a lot during the night with trouble returning to sleep, or waking up too early in the morning Having un-refreshing sleep (not feeling well rested), even after sleeping 7 to 8 hours at night?
Insomnia can cause problems during the day also, such as excessive sleepiness, fatigue, trouble thinking clearly or staying focused, or feeling depressed or irritable. Insomnia is not a disorder, it is a symptom. Its the body's way of saying that something isn't right.
It is a sleep disorder characterized by an inability to sleep and/or inability to remain asleep for a reasonable period. Insomnia is found in males and females of all age groups,although it seems to be more common in females (especially after menopause) and in the elderly. Insomnia is a common problem that affects almost everyone at some point. Insomnia is very common and can affect people at any stage in life.
Sleep onset insomnia is the inability to fall asleep naturally. Sleep maintenance insomnia is the inability to stay asleep or to resume sleep after waking in the middle of the sleep cycle. Sleep deprivation is also a common cause of auto accidents -- if you are driving and feel sleepy, take a break.
Sleeping pills can be unsafe to use if you have certain health problems. Sleep patterns also change as you get older, and many older adults sleep less than younger adults.
Health problems and medicines can also affect how much or how well you sleep. Secondary insomnia can be caused by a medical condition (such as cancer, asthma, or arthritis), drugs, stress or a mental health problem (such as depression), or a poor sleep environment (such as too much light or noise, or a bed partner who snores).
Treatment for chronic insomnia includes: Finding and treating any medical conditions or mental health problems. Exercise improves sleep and given its other health benefits, is recommended for patients with insomnia. It is important to remember that one's health is not at risk if one does not get 6 to 8 hours of sleep every day and that different people have different natural sleep requirements. It's not really a serious problem for your health, but it can make you feel tired, depressed and irritable.
Treatment for chronic insomnia consists of: First, diagnosing and treating underlying medical or psychological problems. Treatment for insomnia focuses on the reason why you don't sleep well.
It may help you avoid these problems and feel better.
Exercise during the day--make sure you exercise at least 5 to 6 hours before bedtime. Make sure you eat dinner at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. If you lay awake worrying about things, try making a to-do list before you go to bed. Use your bed only for sleep and sex.
Chronic (on-going) insomnia occurs at least 3 nights a week over a month or more. Chronic insomnia is best defined as the subjective experience of an inadequate quantity or quality of sleep that has persisted for at least one month. It is less common than short-term sleep problems. Chronic stress on the job or long-term conflicts with family members can maintain sleep problems or make them worse.
Things that may cause insomnia include stress, too much caffeine, depression, changes in work shifts, and pain from medical problems, such as arthritis. Your doctor may also ask about events or problems in your life that may be upsetting you and making it hard for you to sleep.
Sleeping pills can be unsafe to use if you have certain health problems. There are many things that can cause sleep problems. Pain, breathing problems, restless leg syndrome, and many other health problems.
Alcohol has the potential for abuse and should not be used as a sleep aid. Alcohol may have sedative properties, but the REM sleep suppressing effects of the drug prevent restful, quality sleep. Alcohol has a relaxing effect on the body, but does not aide a person in falling asleep.
It causes fewer REM sleep patterns, which prevents people from feeling fully physically and emotionally refreshed the following day. Looking for routines or behaviors, like drinking alcohol at night, that may lead to the insomnia or make it worse, and stopping (or reducing) them.
Stress most commonly triggers short-term or acute insomnia. Stress can be caused by fear about a single event, such as giving a speech. Stress and worry are major impediments to sleep. Stress, anxiety, a medical problem, or the use of certain medications can contribute to developing insomnia.
Stressful life events such as divorce, death of a significant other, impending surgery,and job changes can often trigger sleep disturbances.
People need to sleep especially if you need to get up early in the morning and go to work. Insomnia robs us of our sleep and it needs to be dealt with early on if at all possible. Its no fun staring at the clock while in bed hour after hour until its time to get up. Every alterative should be looked into to help in your fight against insomnia.
Stopping insomnia