Insomnia is a serious condition that is characterized by a lack of sleep. People with this condition often have a hard time falling asleep or wake up frequently during the night. Other common symptoms of insomnia include irritability, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, trouble concentrating, and sleepiness during the day, and tension headaches.
The risk of insomnia is higher for women, people over 60 years old, those who work night shifts, and people who deal with a lot of stress on a regular basis. Insomnia can lead to a number of problems, so it’s important to take steps toward treating this condition.
1. Causes
Several physical conditions are associated with chronic insomnia. These include congestive heart failure, acid reflux disease, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, and Alzheimer’s disease. Psychological disorders can also play a role in causing insomnia, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Stress is another common factor that contributes to this condition. Other factors include medications that interfere with sleep, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, poor sleep habits, and schedule changes that affect circadian rhythms.
2. Complications
Insomnia can have a negative impact on several areas of a person’s life. It can affect job or academic performance. People with this condition can also become overweight or obese since a lack of sleep can lead to slow metabolism. Activities such as driving can become dangerous due to the slower reaction time that insomnia causes. This condition also raises the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Making several lifestyle changes can help people with insomnia get the sleep they need. One of the most important changes is to follow a sleep schedule by going to bed and getting up at the same times each day. Those who have trouble falling asleep should go to a different room and do something quiet, such as reading, until they start getting drowsy. Other lifestyle changes that are helpful include limiting caffeine in the afternoon and evening, eating small snacks in the evening, relaxing at bedtime with a bath or music, and limiting naps.
4. Medications
Prescription and over-the-counter medications can provide short-term relief for insomnia. Since they can become habit-forming, they should not be used for a long period of time. People with insomnia should also be aware that some of these medications can have serious side effects in those who are allergic to them. These side effects include facial swelling, impaired thinking, and extreme drowsiness. Although over-the-counter medications can help people sleep, the overall quality of their sleep is often poor.
5. Therapy
For those who need additional help when dealing with insomnia, behavioral therapy is a good option. This type of treatment helps people change their sleep routine. There are several different approaches available. These include learning relaxation techniques, adopting a positive mindset toward sleep instead of worrying about it, using light therapy, and learning effective sleep habits.
Insomnia can take a heavy toll on people’s lives, but it’s a highly treatable condition. Those who suffer from it should seek support from friends and family members and discuss their condition with their doctor as soon as possible. Although it can take time to fully overcome insomnia, it’s important to remember that being able to get a good night’s sleep consistently is essential.
James Inman is a health-conscious freelance blogger who has struggled with insomnia in the past. If you are interested in helping people overcome their health problems, James recommends looking into getting a health care management mba.
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