Insomnia is a sleep disorder that afflicts over 40 million people in the U.S. alone. Most of those who suffer describe their condition as chronic and long-term. Another 20 million people wrestle with this disorder in intermittent episodes. Sleep is crucial and getting an adequate amount of undisturbed deep sleep is medically proven to be one of the pillars of optimum health. Although the link between sleep and health is not fully understood, it is clear that those who are sleep deprived can have years taken off of their life, not to mention the quality of their waking hours being severely affected. Insomnia is among the most harmful and dangerous of all the sleep disorders.
Those who suffer from insomnia find it extremely difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Many of us have experienced the weariness of an “all-nighter.” Insomnia can be likened to this experience but spanning over several nights at a time. This leaves the sufferer drained and lethargic in their waking hours. This constant feeling of fatigue is inescapable as the body is unable to obtain the rest that it needs. Insomnia sets up a vicious cycle as the strain of sleep deprivation can create anxiety over the lack of sleep, which in turn makes it even harder to sleep!
There are causal links between insomnia and caffeine consumption. Stress and psychological issues can cause problems with sleep as well. In some cases, it is a medical condition that causes the Problem. The full measure of this disorder not only encompasses the lack of sleep but the resulting negative effects to the body as a whole.
Insomnia exists in three forms: predisposition, precipitation, and perpetual. Predisposition insomnia is based upon hereditary factors and is genetically based. There are other factors that “turn on” the tendency for insomnia but the underlying predisposition is there. Not everyone with a predisposition for insomnia will actually develop it. Precipitation insomnia deals with social and psychological factors that may contribute to a bout of insomnia. This type of insomnia is made up of the collective stressors in a person’s life that create the conditions for insomnia. Perpetual insomnia is based upon personal habits that contribute to the disorder. Lifestyle choices such as excessive use of stimulants like caffeine, depressants such as alcohol, or illicit drug use are also causes for insomnia.
It is important to understand that quick-help methods, such as sleeping pills, are only a temporary solution to the problem. Insomnia cannot be masked for long. The problems will intensify when the body gets used to the sleeping pills. Tolerance to these sleep aids may result, requiring increased medication dosages to obtain the same effect. The disorder could return stronger than before if the patient goes off of the pills. True treatment can only come with the right medical and psychological testing to assess the condition. There are a lot of self-care tips that you can use to lessen the effects of insomnia. Making positive lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, exercising, and setting a regular sleep schedule will go a long way to treating the disorder.
If you’re suffering from insomnia and self-care options aren’t working for you, please call our sleep center for a consultation. Insomnia is a serious issue and relief can improve your quality of life.
