Sleep Disorders: Insomnia

It is estimated that approximately 60 million Americans, each year, will become symptomatic with the condition known as insomnia. The sleep disorder insomnia is characterized by an uncomfortable alertness, which creates an inability to fall asleep, and or stay sleeping. Common complaints made by insomniacs are an inability to close eyes, or overactive mind during hours of sleep, causing them to be restless. Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, interrupted sleep, trouble falling back to sleep, waking up too early, and not feeling rested upon waking.

People, who suffer from insomnia, often fall into one of the two different types of insomnia, which are primary insomnia, and secondary insomnia. The person with primary insomnia has problems sleeping that are not directly associated with other causes like health conditions or illnesses. Secondary insomnia describes the person that has insomnia because of another medical condition. Other medical conditions, which might trigger insomnia, are asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, and heartburn. Secondary insomnia may also arise from pain, medications that the person uses, and alcohol use.

Insomnia may also vary in the length of time a person suffers from the condition. Some people complain of short-term insomnia or acute insomnia, which lasts for a short period of time. Other people may have chronic insomnia that lasts for longer periods of time. Insomnia can also come and go, where the person does not experience sleeplessness for a period of time, and then the condition returns. Acute insomnia may occur one night or last for a few weeks, while chronic insomnia may occur three or more nights a week, lasting for a month or longer.

Causes of insomnia are aligned with whether they have primary or secondary insomnia. However there are significant causes that are either related to an acute condition or chronic condition.

The causes of acute insomnia:

· Dramatic changes in lifestyle, which can bring about an increase in stress, often cause a period of insomnia. These lifestyle changes might include divorce, job loss, new baby, death of loved one, and recent move.

· Environment factors may create an uncomfortable scenario, which interferes with the ability to sleep, like changes in room temperature (too hot or too cold), too much noise, or too much light.

· Certain medication taken can cause restlessness and a general inability to sleep. Some medications, which commonly have this side effect, include some blood pressure medicines, asthma medication, cold medicines, allergies medication, and medications that treat depression.

· Changes in normal sleep schedule such as when a person changes work schedule from day shift to night shift and visa versa, or jet lag from a long distance travel.

The causes of chronic insomnia:

· A person suffering from depression or anxiety/panic disorder often experience insomnia.

· Chronic stress can lead to chronic inability to sleep.

· Disorders that are painful or create great discomfort for a person.

· People who have gastrointestinal reflux awaken intermittently throughout the night due to the unpleasant burning feeling created by the stomach acid flowing upward into the throat.

· Sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder in itself, but it, does contribute to a person's insomnia.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as sleepiness during the day, lack of focus and memory, problems concentrating, irritability, and a general tiredness, all of which can be linked to an inability to sleep and remain asleep, you may want to begin a sleep diary. In your sleep diary, you should include a description of your sleep habits, patterns, and how you generally feel. After a few weeks of keeping the sleep diary, you will want to consult your physician, who will evaluate and make the proper diagnosis.

Treatment for insomnia is often found by simply tweaking a person's sleep habits. Though in extreme cases, the only relief may be found in doctor prescribed medications.

Simple tips for a good night sleep:

· Get into a sleep routine. Go to bed at the same time every night, and wake at the same time every morning.

· Try not to take long naps during the day, but rather take a 15-minute power nap if naps are needed.

· Substances, which are considered stimulants, like nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided late in the day and early evening.

· Getting into a health exercise routine will help you relax and release stress.

· Avoid eating heavy meals late at night.

· Make sure your bedroom is comfortable: quiet, dark, not to hot, not to cold.

· It is a common misconception that winding down your day, in bed, with a good book or viewing a television program can relax a person and ready them for a sleep. This is not so. When you engage in the activities of reading or watching television in bed, your mind is still being used, still being stimulated. You should stop reading and watching television at least an hour before bedtime.

· Relax before bed with a soothing bath or shower, or play some soft mellow music.

Whether you have primary insomnia or secondary insomnia, sleep deprivation can interfere with your overall health and wellness, but it does not have to control you. You can learn to take control of your insomnia, learning to identify and control what might be hindering you from attaining a restful night. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of your health care provider.