Insomnia

Insomnia is a type of a sleep disorder. Individuals who suffer from it find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or both. Insomnia is very common. Some studies show that about 15-35% of people suffer from some level of short-term insomnia. And about 10 percent suffer from chronic insomnia. An interesting fact is that women are more likely to suffer from it than men.  If you are wondering if you suffer from insomnia these are some of the symptoms:

• Non-refreshing sleep

• Waking too early in the morning
• Anxiety
• Mood changes
• Poor attention and concentration
• Lack of energy
• Impairment of daytime functioning

What causes Insomnia?

The causes of insomnia depend on the type of sleeplessness you experience. Usually, short-term insomnia is caused by stress, or some traumatic event you experienced. It can also derive from some changes to your sleep habits, like jet lag and dietary habits.

If you suffer from chronic insomnia for at least three months, it is likely due to a combination of problems. Medical conditions like back pain or arthritis, or psychological issues, such as anxiety or depression, or substance use can lead to prolonged insomnia.

How Do I Treat It?

Generally speaking, treatment can be divided into non-medical approaches and medical therapy. Both approaches are necessary to successfully treat it. Combinations of these approaches are usually more effective than one approach alone. Your doctor can talk to you about what treatments might be appropriate for you.  Some common medications are eszopiclone and zolpidem. Home remedies for sleep problems include drinking a warm glass of milk or herbal tea before bed. Also, many people recommend meditation or aromatherapy using different essential oils.

My advice to you would be to train your sleep hygiene with the following methods:

• Minimize time spent on your phone or watching TV before sleep
• Avoid exercise close to bedtime
• Avoid caffeinated beverages near bedtime

Let’s kill that insomnia!

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