Insomnia Overview

There is nothing worse than wanting to sleep and being unable to. If you or anybody you know is going through problems with sleep. It is probably  insomnia. Insomnia, the sleep disorder, is very common. Insomniacs, the sufferers of insomnia, experience trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

Certain medical centers also define the condition as the inability to sleep at regular times. Nearly every other person worldwide experiences this sleep problem at one time or another. It is so ordinary that virtually everyone occasionally gets short-term insomnia. This sleep disorder is often overlooked. However, it can become a problem if it starts to affect a person’s daily life.

A lot of insomniacs would not even accept the symptoms they are experiencing to be caused by this sleep disorder. Sleep experts estimate that roughly 5% of insomniacs seek medical help. 69% won’t even mention the problem to their doctor. Doctors and patients alike tend to assume that the condition will disappear in time. That is the reason why most cases are dismissed and often go untreated specially if patients have other medical complaints.

What are the types of insomnia?

(106/365) Tired but can't sleep

Cannot sleep

This sleep disorder can be classified according to its cause. It is considered  primary when it is not caused by other medical conditions. When it is a symptom of other medical conditions, it is referred to as secondary.

This sleep disorder can also be classified based on its duration. It is called chronic when a person has trouble sleeping for more than a month. If it happens for less than thirty days, it is referred to as acute or short-term. Transient insomnia is much shorter and it lasts for less than seven days.

Insomnia can also be classified according to the type of sleep pattern or interruption that the insomniac goes through.

Onset insomnia is when a person has trouble falling asleep.

Middle-of-the-night insomnia is when a person has difficulty in going back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night.

Middle insomnia is when a person experiences interrupted sleep. When one awakens in the middle of the night or has trouble staying asleep.

Terminal or late insomnia is when a person wakes up really early.

What causes it?

There are a lot of insomnia causes. However, stress is the primary cause of insomnia. There are just too many possible causes of insomnia because it is often a symptom of other medical conditions. These are the  common causes of insomnia.

  • Bad sleep hygiene
  • Hormonal shifts
  • Stressful events
  • Psychiatric conditions
  • Poor physical condition
  • Drug or substance abuse
  • Medications
  • Other sleep disorders

Studies have shown that the worldwide shift towards a 24/7 society is negatively affecting people’s sleep. The situation will probably get worse as the number of workers working on non-regular schedules keep increasing. Due to shift-work and broken schedules, people’s circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle also change. Because of this change and the body’s need to adjust to the new schedule, problems with sleep will also be on the rise.

Complications of insomnia

Lack of sleep affects both the mind and body. Looking at the bigger picture, massive incidence of sleeplessness in any society will likely to have undesirable social and economic effects.

The following are consequences of not getting enough sleep:

  • Poor performance at work or school
  • Reduced mental functioning
  • Feeling irritable and tired
  • Feeling sleepy
  • Headaches
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Depression and stress
  • Anxiety
  • Poor immune system function
  • Reduced reaction time
  • Increased risk and severity of certain diseases
  • Accidents
  • Economic or financial effects
    Main complications of insomnia (See Wikipedia:...

    Complications of insomnia

Depression and stress are common causes of sleeplessness. It is ironic that depression causes sleeplessness and sleeplessness also causes depression. It is a vicious cycle. In some cases, the line between the cause and effect is cannot be distinguished. If both are left untreated, an insomniac continues to get insufficient sleep perpetuating the cycle. Eventually, the patient deteriorates physically and psychologically.

People who do not get enough sleep tend to feel sleepy during the day. Dozing off while working or driving can be dangerous to both the insomniac and the people around him or her. Road accidents caused by sleepiness outnumber those caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. At worst, the driver falls asleep behind the wheel, this tends to end in fatality.

Sleepy and tired workers don’t do their job well. Studies show that workers who lack sleep have twice the rate of absenteeism and work-related accidents than workers who sleep regularly. In certain industries, these work-related accidents can be fatal.

Sleep problems may be common. But if it left untreated, it can cause social failure, physical disability, or even death. If a person has been suffering from insomnia for some time, it is best to seek medical advice.

How is it treated?

Treating insomnia depends on many factors. As mentioned previously, it has many different causes. Therefore, there are also different treatments.

These are some common cures for insomnia depending on the type of insomnia.

Acute:


Chronic:

  • Cognitive and behavioral treatments
  • Good sleeping habits
  • Herbal remedies
  • Sleeping tablets
  • Melatonin

Anything that makes one feel relaxed and comfortable before bedtime can help in getting a good night’s sleep. Practice emptying your thoughts before bed. Try not to think or worry about anything. Try engaging in activities or exercise during the day. To make yourself tired enough that you fall asleep instantly during bedtime. Apart from the common cures mentioned, there are many new cures available. Furthermore, there are various sleep centers and experts worldwide who can provide professional help.

Insomnia need not be a problem. Most people choose to live with it. However, if it starts to affect one’s life, then it is time to seriously consider getting professional help.

 


Here are some sleep related sites that will be of interest to you. Thanks for visiting our Insomnia website.

Insomnia - The Ohio State University Medical Center
USATODAY.com - When sleep is but a dream
Home Remedies for Insomnia by vikki_16dec
Experts try to cast doubt in Jackson doctor case - CBS News
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