Insomnia is a condition whereby one finds it difficult to sleep or is unable to stay asleep. It is a symptom, not a disease. One finds it difficult to initiate sleep or continue to maintain sleep or perhaps both. It is normally followed by functional impairment when one is awake. Both forms of insomnia, organic and inorganic without the causes are considered to be a type of sleep disorder known as primary insomnia.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services claims that in 2007 approximately 64 million Americans suffer from insomnia every year on a regular basis. Insomnia happens to be 1.4 times more common among women, rather than men.
Symptoms of insomnia
- Poor focus and concentration.
- Impaired coordination of the motor.
- Memory difficulty.
- Possibilities of motor accidents due to lack of sleep.
- Impairment in social interactions and irritability.
Causes of Insomnia
- Psychoactive drugs or rather stimulants, which include medications, herbs cocaine, caffeine, ephedrine, amphetamines, modafinil etc.
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotic drugs.
- Injury or condition that causes pain.
- Restless Legs Syndrome.
- Mental disorder such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, clinical depression,hormonal shifts that precede menstruation and those that occur during menopause.
Shift duties. - Jet lag.
- Neurological disorders.
- Brain lesions.
- Improper sleep hygiene.
- Parasites can be a cause for intestinal disturbances which can affect sleep.
- Estrogen influences.
Treatment of Insomnia
- Non-pharmacologic(non-medical).
- Pharmacologic (medical)
It is advisable to make use of both forms of treatment to deal with insomnia. One has to identify the underlying cause whether it is physical in nature or psychological and treat it accordingly. Treating insomnia without ascertaining the cause may not be very successful. When insomnia becomes chronic many seek medical advice.
Prevention of Insomnia
For Jet lag:
- Behavioral therapy and short term drug therapy.
- In case of a trip adjust your sleeping time to coincide with your destination schedule.
- Tranquilizers of short acting duration.
For Shift Changes:
- Behavioral therapy.
- Shift schedules clockwise, from days to evening time to night time
- Proper sleep habits.
- Supplement naps. The use of naps can be sorted out with the help of a doctor..
For Stress
- Reassurance and support.
- Knowing about proper sleep habits.
- Short term treatment with medication.
Insomnia can make you feel tired and fatigued. One may not wake up feeling fresh. Proper sleep habits helps to lessen its effects.
