Insomnia: Meaning, Causes, And Treatment
Hello there! Have you ever had trouble sleeping? It’s a common issue that many of us face. If you’re interested in learning more about Insomnia, including its causes and available treatments, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to help you explore this topic further.
What is Insomnia?
Having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep are all symptoms of Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder. Even after waking up, you might still feel tired. Insomnia can have a detrimental impact on your energy levels and mood, as well as your overall health, work productivity, and quality of life.
The amount of restful sleep that adults require on a nightly basis can vary from person to person. However, it is generally recommended that individuals aim for a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep per night to promote optimal health and well-being. Short-term Insomnia, which can last several days or a few weeks, is a common issue many adults experience.
This type of Insomnia is typically triggered by stress or a traumatic event. On the other hand, long-term Insomnia is experienced by some individuals and persists for more than a month. An underlying medical condition or certain medications may cause this type of Insomnia. There are simple lifestyle changes that can often mitigate sleep disturbances and improve the quality of sleep.
Causes;
Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, can be a significant problem on its own or can be associated with other health problems. Stress, life changes, and sleep-interrupting habits are common causes of long-term Insomnia. While addressing the underlying cause can provide relief, it may persist for a prolonged period.
Common causes of chronic Insomnia include:
Stress- It’s common to have trouble sleeping when your mind is preoccupied with stress and worries about work, school, health, finances, or family. Additionally, experiencing traumatic life events such as losing a loved one, job loss, or divorce can contribute to Insomnia.
Travel or work schedule- Did you know your body is built up with an internal clock called circadian rhythm? It controls essential functions like sleep-wake cycles, metabolism, and body temperature. If your circadian rhythms get disrupted, you may experience Insomnia. This can be caused by factors such as jet lag from traveling across different time zones, working late or early shifts, or frequently changing shifts. Poor sleep habits can also contribute to this problem.
Poor sleep habits- Having an inconsistent bedtime routine, taking naps, engaging in stimulating activities before bed, sleeping in an uncomfortable environment, and using the bed for work, eating, or watching TV. Additionally, using electronic devices such as computers, TVs, video games, or smartphones before bedtime can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Eating excessive amounts of food late at night- Having a light snack before bed is alright, but you might feel physically uncomfortable if you fill. After eating, some people may encounter heartburn, the regurgitation of acid and food from the stomach into the esophagus. This may cause difficulty sleeping and keep you awake.
Sometimes, chronic Insomnia can be related to medical conditions or the use of specific drugs. It is possible to enhance sleep by treating the medical condition, but Insomnia may continue even after it has improved.
Risky Factors
It’s common for people to experience occasional sleepless nights. However, the likelihood of Insomnia is higher if:
- Women may experience sleep disruptions due to hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle and menopause. Specifically, hot flashes and night sweats are common during menopause and can hinder sleep quality. Similarly, Insomnia is a prevalent issue that women may face during pregnancy.
- As we age, our sleep patterns and health change, leading to an increased risk of Insomnia, especially for individuals over 60 years old.
- If you are going with a mental health disorder or physical health condition, it can affect your sleep patterns. Various health issues can have an impact on both your psychological and physical well-being.
- It seems like you’ve been experiencing a lot of stress lately. It’s common to have trouble sleeping during times of stress, and if the focus is ongoing, it could lead to chronic Insomnia.
- It can be pretty challenging to maintain a regular schedule when your work shifts or travel plans are constantly changing, which can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle.
Now this was all the primary reason behind the cause of Insomnia. Now let us go to the next topic, which is also the last one; treatment.
Treatment
Insomnia can be treated through various methods, including making adjustments to your lifestyle and habits, as well as taking medications. The primary approaches to treating insomnia include:
- Cultivating and maintaining healthy sleep habits is essential, commonly called sleep hygiene.
- Some medicines can aid in falling or remaining asleep, particularly those that do not cause addiction or adversely affect sleep.
- If you are struggling with insomnia, seeking mental healthcare could effectively alleviate your symptoms. Seeking guidance from a mental health expert can offer vital assistance and tools to cope with your condition, leading to enhanced wellness and a better quality of life.
Medication
One of the most effective medicines for the treatment of insomnia is Ambien. So, let us know about it in a brief.
Ambien
Ambien, also known as Zolpidem, is a medication that slows down brain activity to promote sleep. Its immediate-release form works quickly to help you fall asleep, while its extended-release version has two layers that assist in lowering and staying asleep. However, it is essential to note that sleep medications should only be used for short periods, typically no longer than 1-2 weeks. Buy Ambien online from us in a sale, and if you use your credit or Mastercard, you will get additional discounts.