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Insomnia

Updated: Sep 11, 2023



Overview


Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which you have difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep.

Sleep disorder insomnia can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). The symptoms may come and go.

The duration of acute insomnia varies from one night to a few weeks. An individual suffers from chronic insomnia if it occurs at least three nights a week for more than three months.


Types of Insomnia


Sleep disorder insomnia is classified into two types: primary and secondary.

  • Primary occurs if you do not have any other health problems or conditions.

  • Secondary is caused by health conditions such as asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn), pain, medication, or substance abuse (such as alcohol).


Causes


Primary causes include:

  • Job loss, death of a loved one, divorce, or moving can cause stress.

  • Noise, light, and temperature around you

  • A change in sleep schedule or bad sleep habits

  • It may run in families, according to research.

  • Anxiety and depression are mental health issues.

  • Medications.

  • Pain or discomfort at night






Risk Factors


Women and older people are more likely to suffer than younger people.

Other risk factors are:

  • Chronic illness

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Shift work or rotating shifts


Symptoms


Symptoms of the disorder include:

  • Daytime sleepiness

  • Tiredness

  • Feeling grumpy

  • Concentration or memory issue


Diagnosis


Insomnia specialist will examine and ask about your medical history and sleep habits.

For a week or two, they might ask you to keep a sleep diary, monitoring your sleep patterns and moods. Your bed partner may ask how much and how well you sleep. A sleep center might also perform special tests for you.



Complications


Our bodies and brains repair themselves while we sleep. Memory and learning are also dependent on it. Insomnia may be caused by:

  • High blood pressure, obesity, and depression are more likely to occur

  • If you’re an older woman, you’re more likely to fall

  • Focus issues

  • Irritation

  • An inability to react quickly in a car accident





Treatment


For a short period of time, your doctor may prescribe sleeping pills if you are tired and unable to do everyday activities. You can avoid drowsiness the next day by taking insomnia medications that work quickly but briefly.

It shouldn’t be treated with insomnia medications and over-the-counter sleeping pills . Over time, they tend to have side effects and work less well.

You’ll need treatment for chronic disorder if you have health problems that keep you awake. Request insomnia treatment online by speaking to the doctor. It is also possible that your insomnia specialist suggests behavioral therapy to you. It will help you learn what are the causes and how to promote sleep.

Don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider if you are suffering from insomnia. You may receive tips for managing issues that interfere with your sleep from them. A change in diet, lifestyle and nighttime routine can help people with insomnia sleep better. Medications or cognitive behavioral therapy may also be recommended.

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