Insomnia

Sleep Disorder

A sleep disorder, or somnipathy, is a medical disorder of the sleep patterns of a person or animal. Some sleep disorders are serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental, social and emotional functioning. Disruptions in sleep can be caused by a variety of issues, from teeth grinding (bruxism) to night terrors. When a person suffers from difficulty in falling asleep and/or staying asleep with no obvious cause, it is referred to as insomnia.

Insomnia

Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder where people have trouble sleeping. It is typically followed by daytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability, and a depressed mood. It may result in an increased risk of accidents, as well as problems focusing and learning.

It is commonly separated into three types:

•Transient insomnia- Occurs when symptoms last up to three nights.

•Acute insomnia- Also called short-term insomnia. Symptoms persist for several weeks.

•Chronic insomnia- This type lasts for months, and sometimes years.

Sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes are typically the first treatment for insomnia. Sleep hygiene includes a consistent bedtime, exposure to sunlight, a quiet and dark room, and regular exercise. While sleeping pills may help, they are associated with injuries, dementia, and addiction. Medications are not recommended for more than four or five weeks. The effectiveness and safety of alternative medicine is unclear.

Signs and symptoms

•Difficulty in falling asleep, including difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position.

•Waking up during the night and being unable to return to sleep.

•Not feeling refreshed upon waking.

•Daytime sleepiness, irritability or anxiety.

Risk factors

Insomnia affects people of all age groups but people in the following groups have a higher chance of acquiring insomnia.

•Individuals older than 60.

•People with history of mental health disorder including depression, anxiety etc.

•People suffering from emotional stress.

•People who work late night shifts.

•People travelling through different time zones.

Prevention

Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day can create a steady pattern which may help to prevent or treat insomnia. Avoidance of vigorous exercise and any caffeinated drinks a few hours before going to sleep is recommended, while exercise earlier in the day is beneficial. The bedroom should be cool and dark, and the bed should only be used for sleep. These are some of the points included in what doctors call "sleep hygiene".

Insomnia affects your daily lifestyle and your daily lifestyle causes Insomnia. All it takes to get rid of Insomnia is a balanced and healthy lifestyle maintained for a long period of time.