Insomnia is a condition where a person finds it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep for the better part of the night. It can affect anyone and is often associated with daytime problems like sleepiness, fatigue, irritability, hyperactivity, and trouble with school or work. This article looks at the causes of insomnia and how it can be treated.
Causes of Insomnia
While insomnia has no specific cause, studies suggest it is mainly caused by psychological arousal that often disrupts sleep patterns. These arousals could include an increase in hormones like cortisol, fast heart rate, and abnormally high body temperature.
However, some risk factors increase the chances of one getting this sleep disorder. They include:
- Old age
- Stress from factors like the death of kin, divorce, and loss of job
- Mental health disorders like depression
- Alcohol addiction
- Anxiety
- Inconsistent sleep schedule, especially in children.
Treatment of Insomnia
Experts suggest different solutions for treating insomnia, which include:
1. Medications
If you significantly experience symptoms associated with insomnia, a doctor may recommend that you take sleep medicine to help solve this. These medications will promote sleep and reduce the anxiety associated with sleep problems. Make sure you consult with a doctor before taking any sleep medicine.
2. Education
Short-term insomnia can be solved through education from medical professionals. They will give you insights into insomnia, including causes and steps to take if symptoms don’t go away. You’re also free to discuss with a professional the stressors that could be causing your insomnia, and they can counsel you accordingly.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Experts in the medical field advocate for cognitive behavioral therapy as the preferred first treatment for an insomnia disorder before resorting to sleep medicine. In this treatment, the patient is taken through a series of therapies to manage their anxiety and subsequently develop good sleep habits.
How to Prevent Insomnia
Sleep disorders such as insomnia could affect you even when you least expect it. If you have any insomnia symptoms, it is advisable that you see a doctor for advice on how you can improve your sleep.
Additionally, you can practice some habits to improve your sleep, keeping you away from insomnia. You can do the following things:
- Keep your sleeping area dark and quiet.
- Maintain a constant sleep routine where you go to bed or wake up at the same time every day.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine close to bedtime.
- Limit your screen time by keeping away from your phone or Television at least 30 minutes before bed.
- Have a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Conclusion
Insomnia is a severe condition that can affect your quality of life and cause other health issues. If you cannot fall asleep, wake up so early unexpectedly or experience a lack of sleep in the middle of the night, you could have insomnia. Consult a doctor who may recommend sleep medicine or other solution to your problem. The above tips should help you practice a healthy sleeping pattern.