Facts About Insomnia
Insomnia is a common condition in which you have trouble falling or staying asleep. This condition can range
from mild to severe, depending on how often it occurs and for how long.
Insomnia can be chronic (ongoing) or acute (short-term). Chronic insomnia means having symptoms at least 3
nights a week for more than a month.
Acute insomnia lasts for only two or six weeks and is usually caused by an event or by jet lag or other
circadian rhythm upset. Taking prescription sleeping pills on a temporary basis is usually considered to be
reasonable. But it can lead to chronic insomnia once the pills are stopped so it is better to look for a
natural remedy for insomnia even for an acute episode.
Some people who have insomnia may have trouble falling asleep others fall asleep easily but wake up in the night
or early hours of the morning. It is quite common to have trouble both with falling asleep and staying
asleep.
If you suffer from insomnia you are not getting enough sleep and you will be feeling dreadful. Anyone who
has had trouble sleeping over a period of time feels completely worn out and simply finds everything very difficult
to cope with. If this is you I am sure that you could add a more colorful description of your
days!
Types of Insomnia
- Primary Insomnia
- Secondary Insomnia
The most common type of insomnia is called secondary or co-morbid insomnia. This type of insomnia is a symptom
or side effect of some other problem.
More than 8 out of 10 people who have insomnia are believed to have secondary insomnia. Certain medical
conditions, medicines, sleep disorders, and substances can cause secondary insomnia.
In contrast, primary insomnia isn't due to a medical problem, medicines, or other substances. It is its own
disorder. A number of life changes can trigger primary insomnia, including long-lasting stress and emotional
upset.
Insomnia can cause excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of energy. It also can make you feel anxious,
depressed, or irritable. You may have trouble focusing on tasks, paying attention, learning, and remembering. This
can prevent you from doing your best at work or school.
Insomnia also can cause other serious problems. For example, you may feel drowsy while driving, which could lead
to an accident.
Secondary insomnia often resolves or improves without treatment if you can stop its cause—especially if you can
correct the problem soon after it starts. For example, if caffeine is causing your insomnia, stopping or limiting
your intake of the substance may cause your insomnia to go away.
To cure your insomnia naturally start by taking a look at the things you do, including the things that you eat
and drink. If you drink a lot of coffee or energy drinks then stop. Caffeine is a major cause of trouble
sleeping and it lasts for many hours after one drink. Try giving up caffeine completely for a week and see
what happens. You may have a caffeine withdrawal headache but you could find that you no longer have any trouble
sleeping.
Another great sleep disturber is nicotine. But if you smoke I am sure you already know that you have to
stop!
Staying up late in front of a computer is another way to cause insomnia. Bright light from the screen
interferes with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
Natural Cure for Insomnia
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