Insomnia(inability to fall asleep)

How much sleep is enough varies from person to person, but most adults need seven to eight hours a night.

At some point, many adults experience short-term (acute) insomnia, which lasts for days or weeks. It's usually the result of stress or a traumatic event. But some people have long-term (chronic) insomnia that lasts for a month or more. Insomnia may be the primary problem, or it may be associated with other medical conditions or medications.

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. You may still feel tired when you wake up. Insomnia can sap not only your energy level and mood but also your health, work performance and quality of life.

What Causes Insomnia?

•Nasal/sinus allergies.

•Gastrointestinal problems such as reflux.

•Endocrine problems such as hyperthyroidism

•Arthritis

•Asthma

•Neurological conditions such as •Parkinson's disease.

•Chronic pain.

•Low back pain

Anxiety, stress, and depression are some of the most common causes of chronic insomnia. Having difficulty sleeping can also make anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms worse. Other common emotional and psychological causes include anger, worry, grief, bipolar disorder, and trauma

What are the Different Types of Insomnia?

Acute insomnia:A brief episode of difficulty sleeping. 

Chronic insomnia:A long-term pattern of difficulty sleeping.

Comorbid insomnia:Insomnia that occurs with another condition.

Onset insomnia:Difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night.

Maintenance insomnia:The inability to stay asleep.

 Symptoms may include difficulty falling or staying asleep and not feeling well-rested.

Sleep: sleeping difficulty or daytime sleepiness

Cognitive: lack of concentration or slowness in activity

Also common: depression, headache, or irritability

Treatment for insomnia consists of improving sleep habits, behaviour therapy and identifying and treating underlying causes. Sleeping pills may also be used, but should be monitored for side effects.

Self-care: Improved sleep habits

Therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy and Light therapy

Medications: Sedative, Antihistamine and Antidepressant

Specialists: Primary Care Provider (PCP), Clinical Psychologist, Sleep Medicine and Psychiatrist

~Promoting healthy living