Sunday, October 12, 2008

Insomnia Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

40% adults are suffering from insomnia as per the National Center for Sleep Disorders. Chronic insomnia leads to a lowered immune system, irritability, lack of concentration and daytime sleepiness. People with insomnia often suffer from diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and memory loss.

4 types of sleeping disorders

(1) Breathing interruptions during sleep is called sleep apnea

(2) Difficulty in falling asleep or Insomnia

(3) Narcolepsy - sleep attacks during the day

(4) A tingling or prickly sensation in the legs called restless legs syndrome

Insomnia symptoms are

  • Trouble in falling asleep at night
  • Disturbed sleep like waking up repeatedly during the night, and not able to go back to sleep again
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Feeling tired in the morning after waking up
  • Feeling sleepiness during the working hour
  • Psychological problems like irritation, memory loss and lack of concentration.


Common causes of Insomnia

Psychological (like depression), physical (cancer, cough or any other physical discomforts), and temporary events (environmental aspects like noise or extreme temperatures) are the three main causes for insomnia.

Insomnia Treatment

There are many treatments for sleep disorders. If you are facing sleep disturbances for few days, you can improve the condition just by having regular sleep habits, lifestyle change, exercise etc.

If the problem continues, it is always best to ask a doctor for a proper diagnosis to identify the cause of trouble sleep.

You should take medical treatment if sleep disorders cause problems in carrying out daily activities. The main reason is most of the drugs create a dependency in the long run.

You can also try self-help and other non-medicinal insomnia treatments like improved sleep habits, sleep hygiene, stress management and relaxation techniques and other natural sleep aids.


Disclaimer : Please consider this article only for general information. You should consult your doctor before taking action.

 

 

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