ALL ABOUT INSOMNIA AND HOW YOU CAN TREAT IT

by Demi

 

Ever found yourself unable to fall asleep or you wake up and you’re unable to go back to sleep? Keep reading then, you’re probably an insomniac and this article is definitely for you.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia can be defined as having adequate opportunity to sleep but inadequate ability to sleep. An insomniac is someone who suffers from insomnia. Simply put, an insomniac is a person who has difficulties sleeping or falling asleep. An insomniac must have been suffering from insomnia for at least 6 months to be clinically diagnosed as a chronic insomniac. People tend to underestimate how long they sleep. Using a sleep monitor readily available on devices can help measure how long one sleeps.

Insomnia could lead to a series of issues such as:

  1. Daytime sleepiness
  2. Mood swings
  • Irritability
  1. Anxiety

Also, the issues above can contribute to insomnia. They may be causes, effects, or both.

Insomnia could also lead to the development of more severe, chronic illnesses such as:

a. Diabetes

b. Obesity

  • Cancer
  1. Heart attack
  2. Chronic depression

People with chronic insomnia almost always tend to be suicidal as well.

 

What could be the cause of my insomnia?

Insomnia is often treated as a condition stemming from a larger issue but it could also be a condition on its own and can be regarded and treated as such.

Insomnia could be caused by:

  1. A change in work schedule or shift
  2. Lack of adequate physical exercise
  • An uncomfortable bed
  1. Wrong or uncomfortable room temperature
  2. Caring for a person or baby
  3. Using recreation drugs
  • Medications

Other health and mental health issues can also cause insomnia. They include, but not limited to:

  1. Depression
  2. Anxiety
  • Schizophrenia
  1. PTSD
  2. An overactive thyroid
  3. Sleep apnea
  • Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease
  • Menopause
  1. Hormonal Changes

Also, people with Alzheimer’s disease could suffer from insomnia due to changes in the brain which can change sleep patterns.

Some people have a rare genetic disorder called fatal familial insomnia, which prevents sleep and can be life-threatening.

Research has also shown that using devices with a screen can cause a lack of sleep.

It is also noteworthy that not everyone requires 8 hours of sleep, some people can carry out day to day activities on less, and trying to force yourself to sleep for 8 hours can cause insomnia as you might find yourself lying awake in bed, unable to sleep.

 

How do I know I’m suffering from insomnia?

You might be suffering from insomnia if you have any of these symptoms:

  1. Daytime fatigue
  2. Depression
  • Anxiety
  1. Low energy
  2. Poor concentration
  3. Lack of coordination
  • Tension headaches
  • Difficulties in studying or working

 

Types of insomnia

Insomnia can be classified into various types based on;

Duration:

  1. Acute, transient insomnia is a short term problem
  2. Chronic insomnia; insomnia going on longer than 6 months

Causes:

  1. Primary insomnia is an issue by itself
  2. Secondary insomnia is a result of another health issue

Severity:

  1. Mild insomnia involves a lack of sleep that leads to tiredness
  2. Moderate insomnia may affect daily functioning
  • Severe insomnia has a significant impact on daily life

 

How do I treat my insomnia?

Treating insomnia usually depends on the underlying cause and type.

Generally, insomniacs are told to:

  1. Take a hot bath before
  2. Stay in a dark room
  • Stick to a specific meal plan
  1. Counseling
  2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  3. Over the counter sleep aids; this form of treatment is not recommended for long term use due to risks of addiction and potential long term effects
  • Setting a wake-up time and establishing a routine
  • Avoid using devices right before bedtime
  1. Avoid going to bed hungry
  2. Avoid heavy meals 2-3 hours before bedtime
  3. Exercise regularly

CONCLUSION

Insomnia can occur within any age bracket and if you think you are an insomniac, don’t panic, about 40% of the population are also insomniacs, just visit a doctor who will help you understand your situation better. I hope this article has been most helpful.

 

Written by Aisha Belgore

 

Aisha Belgore is a bilingual (English and French) proficient content writer who writes on health, fitness, and lifestyle. Reach out to Aisha for all of your content needs via – belgoreaishawrites@gmail.com

 

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