Insomnia is the failure to fall or stay asleep. The condition may be short-term where a person is unable to sleep for a few days or long term where one is unable to sleep for weeks. In such a case the condition is chronic. This increases the chances of having accidents and loss of concentration.
The condition is common among women, divorced, separated or windowed people. Most cases are often caused by psychological or emotional problems, Depression, Stress, anxiety or other behavioral related problems.
There are other causes such as sleep apnea, arthritis, congestive heart failure, use of caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol and other anti-depressants. Changing sleep habits or patterns, and working before sleeping are also other causes.
Some of the most common symptoms of insomnia are:
• Difficulties in falling asleep
• Tiredness during the day
• Waking up early and not being able to go back to sleep
• Restlessness in the morning
• Frequent interruptions of sleep
For a doctor to know whether the person has this condition, they may ask about person’s sleep patterns, medical or psychiatric history. A physical exam may also be taken for lab test. They may also want to know about the family members sleep habits. The doctor may tell the patient to sleep overnight in a sleep center so that they can take recordings of their breathing movements and heat rhythm.
Treatment of insomnia involves first the examination of the underlying condition. Once they are detected, the doctor may recommend some leisure activities, change in diet or a regular sleep routine. Patients may also be advised to go to bed early or when they get sleep. Setting an alarm to wake them up early and prevent them from napping at odd hours during the day. Where medication is involved, the doctor will prescribe sedatives, tranquilizers or anxiety drugs. Seeking counseling is also another way to treat the condition.
Mild insomnia may easily be cured by simply having good sleeping habits. The disease makes it difficult for a person to function properly because they become very sleepy and tired. The doctor may recommend sleeping pills for a short period of time; this will help reduce effects like drowsiness. It is not good for a person to buy over the counter drugs because they may have some side effects that are not known to them or they may cease to be effective with time.
If the condition continues, the doctor most likely will recommend behavioral therapy. This approach helps a person to change those behaviors that worsen the condition. The patients are advised to learn new behaviors that will help promote sleep. Other techniques like relaxation and sleep restriction may also be very helpful depending on what the doctor will see to be the best method.
A person can help reduce insomnia all by themselves without necessarily seeing a doctor. All one needs to do is to exercise more or manage stress.
To avoid insomnia, ensure that you get enough rest and exercise more.
