Facts about Insomnia - Information, Types, Causes, Home Remedies, and More

Here, you will learn some information on and facts about insomnia, a condition which afflicts millions of people worldwide.

Insomnia is a very misunderstood condition. It is not defined by the number of hours of sleep a person gets, but rather by the quality of sleep that a person gets.

What is Insomnia and Types of Insomnia

Insomnia can mean getting sleep that is not refreshing, waking up frequently during the night and having trouble falling back asleep, waking up too early in the morning, and having difficulty falling asleep.

One of the sad and critical facts about insomnia is that having the condition can cause problems during the waking hours, such as a lack of energy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, tiredness, and even a weakened immune system. It can last for days, weeks, and even months. Some people complain about having insomnia for years.

One of the important facts about insomnia is that there are basically two types of the condition: transient and chronic. Transient insomnia lasts from a single night to a couple of weeks. It might be off and on during this time period. However, if it occurs during most nights and goes on for a month or more, then it is considered chronic.

Causes of Insomnia

More important facts about insomnia relate to the possible triggers and causes of sleeplessness.

There are some things that tend to make some people more susceptible to insomnia than others. For example, insomnia occurs more frequently in those individuals who are over the age of 60. Individuals with a history of depression are also more likely to have insomnia, as are women.

Other conditions such as medical problems, anxiety, and stress can lead to insomnia as well, as can the use of certain medications.

Indeed, there are a variety of possible causes when it comes to insomnia. Those with transient insomnia might temporarily be experiencing environmental noise, stress, jet lag, medication side effects, extreme temperature changes, or a change in the surrounding environment.

Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, is a little more complicated. There is usually another physical or emotional disorder that the insomnia stems from. Some of these conditions can include Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, kidney disease, arthritis, heart failure, asthma, sleep apnea, and hyperthyroidism. Behavioral factors such as chronic stress, disrupted sleeping and waking cycles, and using caffeine and alcohol can also lead to chronic insomnia.

Thus, if you suffer from chronic sleeplessness, it is imperative that you seek to address any possible underlying causes - this is one of the most important facts about insomnia.

Overcoming Insomnia - Tips and Natural Home Remedies

Having discussed on the informational facts about insomnia, let us now move on to how to overcome the ailment.

There are some changes that an individual can make in his or her life in order to decrease the risk of insomnia. Abstaining from alcohol and caffeine several hours before bedtime is helpful. Although alcohol can make you sleepy, it generally does not give you a restful night's sleep. It is also suggested that abstaining from cigarette smoking before bedtime is preferable as well, as nicotine can be a stimulant.

If you must take a nap during the day, then timing the nap so that it is in the early afternoon and lasts no more than an hour is preferable. Sometimes, being too tired can actually make it more difficult to fall asleep, so try not to keep yourself awake during the day if you are tired.

Relaxation therapy can also be used to treat insomnia. This can help an individual stop his or her mind from "racing" during the night, which could be keeping him or her awake. It also allows the muscles to relax.

Reconditioning can also be used to treat insomnia. This might mean re-learning the fact that the bed is meant for sleep and bedtime. Sometimes, this involves removing anything from the bedroom that is not associated with sleep, such as a television and computer.

Insomnia can also be treated by establishing a bedtime routine, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday and getting regular exercise. In some cases, counseling might be suggested if stress, anxiety, or depression is found to be the underlying cause of insomnia.

Conclusion

It is important to address insomnia - this is one of most important facts about insomnia to note. A decrease in quality of sleep can lead to accidents, depression, and a feeling of poor overall health. Although insomnia is not a disease, it can be treated.

Wish to learn more facts about insomnia? You can do so by reading the other related insomnia articles and pages on this website.

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