Sleep Disorders

Insomnia

Insomnia is the third most common health problem reported and is easily characterized by observing few symptoms. In general, a person can be diagnosed for insomnia when he or she experiences difficulty falling asleep, getting up early or waking up, and then going back to bed. However, many other reasons such as stress, working late hours, back pain, or medicines can result into similar symptoms. It is therefore unwise to make any conclusions prior to consulting a physician. Observe the symptoms at first rather than worrying and be concerned only if they continue upsetting your daily activities. Nonetheless, if these symptoms last for a longer time, they can give rise to chronic insomnia.

When you have difficulty falling asleep for most nights, weeks, or over a month, a physician should be contacted. Depending on the individual case, doctors usually advice their patients to change routine habits in addition of taking prescribed medications. Medicines that are used to cure insomnia are drugs that promote sleep function by working with the brain. Studies also suggest that it is most advisable to follow a routine for going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. This is the most effective method of healing from sleep problems because the human brain can recognize a pattern known as the circadian rhythm or a sleep–wake cycle. Hence, the majority of patients are cured or they benefit by following this [Page 1556]treatment schedule which involves both psychological and pharmacological approach simultaneously.

Suffering from sleep disorders may lead to a potential threat for developing associated health problems over time.

Moreover, to get a better night's sleep, one should avoid or discontinue the consumption of products containing caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine few hours before bedtime. It is also recommended to keep away from engaging in exercise or related physical activities two hours before bedtime because it creates hindrance for good sleep. On the other hand, stress-relieving exercises such as meditation or yoga might prove to be helpful. In general, insomnia is seen to be more common in older women suffering from depression. The 60-and-over age group is most susceptible to developing insomnia compared to other age groups.

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