Facts About Insomnia
What is 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
- Secondary Insomnia
- Primary 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, pain or 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 find and deal with 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 will 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.
If you need help to find a natural remedy for insomnia listening to a sleep cd is often a good way to overcome insomnia.