A sleep disorder means individuals have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Insomnia condition is either acute or chronic. It is not permanent; it may come and go. Acute or short-term: Lasts for 1 night to a few weeks. Chronic or long-term: At least 3 nights a week for 3 months.
Types and Causes of Insomnia
The cause of insomnia varies from one person to other, but it must be among the below mentioned. The reasons for short-term insomnia include,- Jet lag
- Stress
- Physical pain
- An upsetting or traumatic event
- Certain medications
- Irritating feel due to noise, temperature, or light
- Trouble sleeping in the new environment etc.
- Psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety
- Sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
- Arthritis or bipolar disorder or back pain or schizophrenia
- Hypothyroidism and other endocrine problems
- Substance use (caffeine, tobacco or alcohol etc.)
- Medications for allergies, cold, depression, asthma, and high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Insomnia
Lack of sleep will make your day slothful. The major symptoms of insomnia will be,- Drowsiness during the day
- Wake up before time in the morning
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Complication with memory or concentration
- Unrefreshing sleep.
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Grumpiness
Risk Factors
- Aged people are at high risk
- People with mental health issues
- Change in working shifts
- Individuals with long term illness
- Travel to different timezone
- If you are pregnant and going through menopause
- Emotional disorders such as stress and depression.
Complications
Our body and brain are worked up during the daytime, so they need to relax. It can be done during a good night’s sleep. If you are awake and the reason is insomnia, you could have:- If you’re an older woman, you could faint
- A major risk in health like obesity, high blood pressure, and depression
- Weak immune system
- You can’t concentrate or focus on a particular thing
- Anxiety and grumpiness.
- It can affect your daily routine and includes:
- Affect your memory
- Can’t perform well at school or work
- Slower reaction time leads to a car crash
- Lower your sex drive.
Prevention of Insomnia
- If you have good sleep habits, you may overcome insomnia.
- Including weekends make sure your bedtime and wake up time are constant.
- Don’t take naps during the daytime. Keep yourselves active throughout the day. It will help with a good night’s sleep.
- Avoid using phones or e-books before bed; their bright light will distract your sleep.
- Have some hobbies that can relax you before going to bed. Take a warm bath, read some books, or listen to music.
- Don’t have a heavy meal at night; it troubles you to get sleep. Thus, a light bite before bed helps you to sleep.
- You can check your medications if they lead to insomnia.
- Keep your bedroom comfortable and use it only for sex and sleep.
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine, and don’t use nicotine.