About Insomnia
About Insomnia - Based on statistics, greater than one third of the
population in the United States has insomnia. Insomnia is the most
common and most prevalent sleeping disorder. In determining the type of
insomnia present, the onset insomnia is identified as well as the source
for the development of the condition. Speaking in terms of the onset of
insomnia, there are three types. Transient insomnia would occur for
some days, while short term insomnia would usually exist for a couple of
weeks, and chronic insomnia is identified when insomnia is present for
more than three weeks. If the source of insomnia would be identified,
two types would be considered and these are primary and secondary
insomnia.
Of all the classifications based on the onset or duration, the most
common would be transient insomnia. Most people are experiencing
insomnia for a couple of days and would usually return to normal after
some time. Causes of transient insomnia may vary from stress or work
related issues such as shifting of schedules. Usually, transient
insomnia can also be caused by jet lag due to traveling. This type of
insomnia would disappear after sometime without receiving any treatments
whatsoever. Stress can also cause short term insomnia. Such causes
would also be the same for transient insomnia but it just happened for a
few more days than that of transient insomnia. However, if short term
insomnia is left untreated, it could lead to chronic insomnia.
Primary insomnia may have unknown root causes and at some cases, it may
even occur as early as infancy. High metabolic rates are usually
associated with insomnia, as well as a hyperactive nervous system.
When the insomnia is said to be secondary, it is mainly due to the fact
that it occurred because of a disease. Most of the time, causes would
include intake of prescription medications, alcohol, drug abuse, and
some illnesses. Secondary insomnia can only be treated if the primary
cause of the insomnia is resolved. A good example would be patients who
developed insomnia due to arthritis. If joint pains in arthritis are
resolved, then insomnia may subside.
Insomnia is never generalized as a single disorder. In reality, insomnia
is a symptom of many sleeping disorders. Three qualifications need to
be present before classifying and diagnosing insomnia. First of all, the
person should have difficulties in falling asleep or in keeping asleep
for the rest of the night. Secondly, the person with insomnia should
find it difficult to sleep even when the surrounding are conducive for
sleeping. Finally, the sleep problem at night has a great impact in the
performance of daily activities during the day. Such impact would
include concentration difficulties, body ache or pains, low energy
levels, mood swings or changes in mood, easy fatigability, and too much
worrying about not getting enough sleep.
Prescription medications like sleeping pills can be helpful in treating
insomnia. However, there are also available over the counter sleeping
pills that can be taken to relieve insomnia.
Other alternative methods may also be done to relieve insomnia. Examples
of these alternative methods would include breathing exercises,
meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, sleep hygiene, reconditioning
sleep restriction, biofeedback, visualization, cognitive therapy, and
behavioral therapy. Relieving from insomnia can be done with various
alternative methods.
As for others who are experiencing insomnia, various treatment methods
are being utilized. People would resort to herbal supplements to relieve
their problems of insomnia. However, some of these herbal supplements
do not have enough claims and is not approved by the Food and Drug
Administration. Aside from herbal supplements, acupuncture and stress
relieving hot baths or passive body heating is also done.
The best way to understand insomnia is to have a good background of the
disorder itself. Through it, you will be able to know when to seek
medical help.