Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects about a third of adults in the United States. This condition occurs due to many reasons, including lifestyle and medical conditions. It can be short-term or chronic. If you are experiencing insomnia, try to find out the cause of the problem, and seek help.
Insomnia can lead to a number of different symptoms, including mood problems, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating during wake hours. Symptoms may also be linked to certain health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and heart disease.
Chronic insomnia usually lasts for months or even years, and it is more common in older people. Medications may also play a part in the development of insomnia. A doctor may need to order blood tests and an overnight sleep study to diagnose the problem. They will ask you about your sleep patterns, medications, and other health issues, and may even recommend a short-term sleeping pill to help you get to sleep.
Short-term insomnia is generally due to stress or a traumatic event. For adults, a “normal” amount of sleep is 7 to 9 hours. However, some individuals need more or less. Generally, the prime time to fall asleep is between midnight and 5 a.m. The best way to avoid insomnia is to maintain a consistent bedtime, and make sure that your room is quiet.
Sleep is as important to our health as exercise and a nutritious diet. Insomnia can lead to a variety of illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. There are a variety of ways to treat insomnia, including cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, and psychotherapy. But the first step is to understand what exactly is causing your sleep problems.
You should avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, light-emitting electronic devices, and other substances that can interfere with your sleep. You should also keep track of your sleep patterns and note any changes in your sleeping habits.
People with chronic insomnia often need to use prescription drugs to help them fall asleep. Although these medications may be helpful in the short term, they are associated with a number of side effects. Your healthcare provider may offer you a prescription sleep aid for a short period of time, but you should only take it for a few days.
Some adults with insomnia also have other medical issues, such as depression, asthma, or an overactive thyroid. A doctor will ask you about your sleeping habits, and can refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Depending on the severity of your sleep problems, your doctor might suggest talking therapy or a prescription sleep aid. You may need to keep a diary of your sleep pattern and talk to your bed partner about your sleep, as well.
You should make sure that you are getting enough physical activity during the day. Regular exercise can increase your chance of falling asleep faster, and it can also help you stay asleep longer. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each night.
Eddie suffers greatly from insomnia. At first he didn’t know why he couldn’t sleep. But after checking with his doctor, they devised a game plan that worked. he now sleeps as soundly as a newborn. You can too.