source:- pinkvilla
A lot of us are familiar with what insomnia is. It is a common sleep disorder that makes it especially hard for patients to fall asleep, stay asleep, wake up once or multiple times in the night and get back to sleep. A good night’ sleep becomes difficult to achieve and parents wake up tired. Insomnia can greatly disturb our energy level, mood, mental and physical health, work performance and overall quality of life. Even though the requirement for sleep varies from individual to individual, most of us need seven to eight hours a night to feel completely energized. But, many adults experience insomnia every now and then. You could be suffering from short-term or acute insomnia, which goes away in a matter of days or work. People suffer from acute insomnia due to stress or a traumatic event.
On the other hand, some people suffer from long-term or chronic insomnia. This insomnia may last for months at a stretch. Insomnia may also be a result of some medical conditions or medications. Insomnia can be cured by lifestyle changes, medication and seeking the help of a sleep therapist.
Causes of insomnia
1. Stress about work, finances or family keeps our mind awake at night. This makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
2. Those of us who have an irregular bedtime schedule, an uncomfortable sleep environment, or stay online until late into the night may experience trouble sleeping.
3. As we age, we become restless. Minor inconveniences such as noises or other changes in our environment affects our sleep. Our internal clock often advances, which means we tend to sleep shorter hours than we actually need to.
4. Caffeinated drinks are stimulants that keeps sleep away. Nicotine in tobacco products can also interfere with sleep. Alcohol may cause you to feel sleepy but it hampers deep sleep and makes us feel fidgety.
Symptoms of insomnia:
1. Difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep for long hours at a stretch. 2. Waking up too early and not feeling fresh upon waking up.
3. Daytime tiredness is accompanied with irritability, inability to focus, anxiety and an increased tendency of making errors.
Treatment of insomnia:
1. Keep your bedtime regular and limit your naps.
2. Avoid nicotine, alcohol, caffeinated drinks and other stimulating activities before going to bed. 3. Your doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia or CBT-I. This will help in controlling or eliminating negative thoughts and actions that keep you awake. You may also be prescribed medication to help you sleep better.