By Sumaiyah Ali 

Insomnia is a sleeping disorder in which people face irregular patterns due to various multiple factors. They often feel difficulty sleeping. They wake up during the night. Individuals have trouble going back to sleep. People wake up early in the morning. They feel exhausted upon waking. Therefore, Insomnia is prevalent nowadays and the fact is that the majority of people suffer from this disease. In this way, there’s a need to have complete know-how about it. However, considering its significance, we have chosen this theme to enlighten you about the term ‘Insomnia’ and provide you with a complete understanding of Insomnia.

A Complete Understanding Of Insomnia

Insomnia is a chronic disease that can be caused by multiple factors. Gastrointestinal problems, endocrine and Parkinson’s, restless legs’ syndrome, sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue syndrome are some of the causes. There are various reasons including Heart failure, Alzheimer’s, tumors, and so on. Imbalances of hormones during menstruation or estrogen and snoring are other causes. Parasites, pregnancies, and an overactive mind, rays of digital gadgets, such as; laptops, PCs, Televisions, and tabs can cause Insomnia.

Understanding insomnia is a must as nature has involved certain neurotransmitters in the brain with wakefulness and sleep. Chemical interactions in the brain interfere with sleep. Therefore, individuals are biologically prone to Insomnia. They struggle with sleep for years. People cause accidents and make errors. 20% of accidents occur because of sleepiness. To avoid such kind of incidents, people must have a complete understanding of Insomnia to reduce the risk factor.

Individuals do not have social lives and worry about sleep. They become tensed or have headaches. People feel as if they wear tight bands around their heads. They are not fully awake or fresh. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 30-40% of Americans experience symptoms of Insomnia.

Travelers, shift workers, and the elderly are at risk. People with mental disorders, pregnant or menopausal women, and teenage students too. It is more common for women than for men. These women are obese and have poor immune systems.

There are 2 types of Insomnia. Primary Insomnia means that individuals have sleep problems. These problems are not associated with other conditions. Secondary Insomnia means that people have slumber problems. However, these issues are because of health conditions. For instance, asthma, arthritis, and depression. Heartburn, cancer, and chronic and lower back pain cause it. Medicines and substance abuse are factors.

Insomnia varies in its duration and amount of occurrence. It is short-term or long-term. It comes and goes with time. Put differently, sometimes individuals do not have slumber problems. Acute Insomnia lasts from night to a few weeks. However, with Chronic Insomnia people cannot sleep 3 nights a week. They cannot sleep for 3 months or longer.

Important life stresses cause Acute Insomnia. For example, loss of jobs, divorces, and death of a loved one. Illnesses and physical and emotional discomfort cause it. Environmental factors like noise, extreme temperature, or light are a cause. Individuals take medicines for colds, depression, and sinus allergies. Therefore, they cannot sleep. High blood pressure interferes with normal sleep schedules.

People switch from night to day shift or have jet lags. Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress cause Chronic Insomnia. Discomfort at night or pain is a reason. Sleeplessness and fatigue during the day, irritability, and general tiredness are symptoms. Individuals have problems with memory, coordination, and concentration. 10-15% of individuals have Chronic Insomnia.

People might think they have Insomnia. If they cannot sleep for a month, then they should consult doctors. Evaluations include medical histories, physical exams, and physical histories. Doctors ask individuals to keep a sleep diary for a week. They ask them to keep track of how they feel during the day. Doctors ask about sleep patterns or the quality and measure of sleep. They ask about mental problems and substance abuse. Doctors refer people to sleep centers for sleep tests.

Polysomnograph records sleep patterns overnight. Actigraphy uses small devices people wear on their wrists. It measures sleep-wake patterns and movements. Acute Insomnia might not need treatments. Practicing good sleep habits prevents mild Insomnia. Individuals cannot function during the day. They feel sleepy. Doctors prescribe sleeping pills and antidepressants for a limited time. They prescribe corticosteroids, statins, and alpha-blockers. Short-acting, rapid-onset drugs help avoid drowsiness the following day.

People should not use over-the-counter sleeping pills. Individuals might have undesired side effects. They lose their effectiveness over time. In Chronic Insomnia, doctors treat health problems that cause it. Doctors suggest behavioral therapies if it continues. Behavioral approaches change behaviors that worsen them. They help to learn new behaviors to promote sleep. For instance, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Sleep restriction therapy, reconditioning, and relaxation exercises are useful techniques. Sleep hygiene or good sleep habits help get good sleep. They beat Insomnia. People should sleep at the same time every night. They should get up at the same time every morning. Individuals should not take naps during the day. They make them less sleepy at night.

People should avoid nicotine and caffeine late in the day. These stimulants keep individuals from sleeping. People should exercise regularly but not close to bedtime. This stimulates them and makes sleeping hard. According to studies, individuals should not exercise for 3 to 4 hours before sleeping. They should not eat heavy meals late in the day. However, light snacks before bedtime help to sleep.

People should make comfortable, quiet, and dark bedrooms. They should not stay too cold or too warm. Individuals should try sleeping masks if the light is a problem. They should use earplugs, white noise machines, or fans to cover the sounds if noise is a problem. People should follow routines to relax. They should take baths or listen to music. If individuals do not feel drowsy, then they can read books.

If people cannot sleep, then they should do something. They should do something that is not stimulating until they feel sleepy. Individuals should not worry about things. People should make a to-do list. This helps to stop focusing on worries. They should not sleep much or less. Individuals should not force to sleep. They should not smoke.

People should sleep regularly. They should not sleep hungrily. Individuals should meditate and relax their muscles. They should go to bed when sleepy. People should not eat or worry in bed. They should set alarms for the same time. Individuals should not deprive themselves of sleep. In order to be aware of it, you must have a complete understanding of Insomnia.

Hence, this is a complete guide that gives a detailed overview of it. We hope that this article would be of help in raising awareness and gives you a complete understanding of Insomnia.