Not Getting Enough Sleep? Find Out If It is Insomnia

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder wherein a person struggles to fall or stay asleep. It can be short-term (called acute) which is lasting from one day to a few weeks or long-term (called chronic) when it happens at least three days a week for more than three months. Acute insomnia is quite common. But when it reaches the chronic phase, it can lead to health conditions like asthma, cancer, depression, etc.

Insomnia Symptoms

Apart from difficulty in falling asleep at night or staying asleep, or waking up too early in the morning, the other symptoms of this sleepless disorderare:

• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

• Anxiety, depression, or irritability

• Trouble to focus and concentrate

• Low energy or motivation

• Feeling grumpy

• Poor memory

• Lack of coordination, resulting in errors and accidents

• Not feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep

• Constant worry/anxiety about sleep

• Difficulty in studying, working, or socialising

Causes of Insomnia

• Stress:

Nothing robs sleep like stress and if suffering from insomnia, lack of sleep adds to the stress.

• External reasons:

Sometimes, reasons like noise, light, or temperature can interrupt your sleep. Even the nature of your job can impact your regular sleep schedule, especially if you are required to travel long distances which causes jet lag.

• Genetics:

Your genes could be responsible for insomnia.

• Food intake:

Are you a coffee or wine lover? If yes, then you should know that your caffeine or alcohol intake maybe preventing you from sleeping.

• Other diseases:

Insomnia can be a by-product of other ailments. For example, mental health issues like depression or anxiety, perennial body pain, asthma, and hyperthyroidism could be the reason for losing sleep.

• Side effects:

Make sure your medications for allergies are not keeping you up at night.

Then there are factors like pregnancy, menopause, or PMS that can cause insomnia among women. Also, the risk of insomnia increases with age.

Insomnia Diagnosis

To know whether you are suffering from sleepless disorder or not, your doctor will generally do the following:

• Physical exam:

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical and family history, any medications that you are taking, and your sleep patterns and habits.

• Blood tests:

This willhelp rule out any medical conditions that might be affecting your sleep.

• Maintain a sleep diary:

You will be asked to log your sleep patterns for 1-2 weeks (or as recommended by your doctor) such as your sleep and wake up timings, how much time you actually take to fall asleep after going to bed, how frequently you wake up in the middle of the night, how you feel during the day, etc.

• Sleep device:

You may be asked to wear a small device while sleeping to track your sleep patterns. It’s important that you explain all your symptoms clearly to help your doctor make a proper diagnosis.

Insomnia Treatment

For acute insomnia, there is no treatment and it usually gets better on its own. Certain practices like maintaining a consistent sleep and wake up schedule, shutting down gadgets at least 1 hour before going to bed, and avoiding any exciting activities before bedtime can help prevent insomnia. To avoid drowsiness during the day, the doctor may prescribe sleeping pills for a short time. It is advised not to use over-the-counter sleeping pills as they might have sideeffects.

For chronic insomnia, the treatment involves cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medications and supplements. CBT is generally recommended as the first line of treatment. This will help you identify the thoughts and behaviours which cause sleep problems and find the ways or habits that promote sound sleep. CBT involves breathing techniques, muscle relaxation practices, and other therapies that will help you sleep well.

Conclusion

Sleep is essential for our health as our body parts need rest to rejuvenate. When we sleep, our nerve cells reorganise to help our brain function better. And that’s why when insomnia takes that sleep away, it impacts our health adversely. In case you feel you are suffering from this sleepless disorder, seek medical treatment immediately.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

Sources: Webmd, Mayo Clinic, Everyday Health, Healthline

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Published on August 23, 2022