What is insomnia? An Overview of Insomnia.

 
Types of Insomnia
Acute vs. Chronic Insomnia
Causes of Insomnia
Symptoms of Insomnia
Diagnosing Insomnia
Treatment for Insomnia
Good Sleep Habits for Beating Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that's characterized by difficulty falling and/or remaining asleep. People with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:

Difficulty falling asleep
Waking during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
Waking up too early in the morning
Feeling tired upon waking

Types of Insomnia

There are two different types of insomnia: primary insomnia and secondary insomnia.

Primary insomnia: Primary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems that are not directly associated with problem or any other health condition.
Secondary insomnia: Secondary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems because of something else, such as a health condition (such as asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn); pain; drugs they are taking; or a substance they are using (like alcohol).

Acute vs. Chronic Insomnia

Insomnia also varies in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. It may be short term (acute insomnia) or can last a long time (chronic insomnia). When a individual has no sleep issues it can come and go, with intervals. Acute insomnia can last from one night to a couple of weeks. When a person has insomnia at least insomnia is called chronic.
Causes of Insomnia

Causes of acute insomnia can include:
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Significant life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving)
Illness
Emotional or physical discomfort
Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep
Some drugs (for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma) may interfere with sleep
Interferences in normal sleep schedule (jet lag or switching from a day to night shift, for example)

Causes of insomnia include:

Depression and/or anxiety
Chronic stress
Pain or discomfort at night


Symptoms of Insomnia

Symptoms of insomnia can include:

Sleepiness during the day
General tiredness
Irritability
Problems with concentration or memory

Diagnosing Insomnia

If you think you have insomnia, talk with your medical care provider. An evaluation may include a history, a history, and a physical exam. You could be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, how you feel throughout the day and keeping track of your sleep patterns. Your health care provider might want to interview your bed partner about the quantity and quality of your sleep. Sometimes, you may be referred to a sleep center for particular tests.
Treatment for Insomnia

Acute insomnia may not require treatment. Mild insomnia often can be prevented or cured by practicing good sleep habits (see below). Your healthcare provider may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time if your insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day because you are sleepy and tired. Rapid onset drugs can help you avoid effects such as drowsiness the following day. Avoid using sleeping pills since they may have unwanted side effects and tend to lose their efficacy.

Treatment for insomnia includes first treating any underlying conditions or health conditions which are causing the insomnia. If insomnia continues, your healthcare provider may suggest behavioral therapy. Approaches enable you also to learn new behaviors to promote sleep and to change behaviors that may worsen insomnia. Techniques such as relaxation exercises, sleep restriction therapy, and reconditioning may be useful.
Good Sleep Habits for Beating Insomnia

Sleep habits, also referred to as sleep hygiene, can help you get a great night's sleep and conquer insomnia. Here are some tips:

Try to go to sleep in the exact same time every night and get up at the exact same time each morning. Try not to take naps during the day, because naps may make you less sleepy at night.

Avoid prolonged use of phones or reading devices ("e-books") that give off light before bed. This can make it harder to fall asleep.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day. Nicotine and caffeine are stimulants and can keep you. Alcohol interferes with sleep quality and can cause waking in the night.
Get regular exercise. Try not to exercise close to bedtime, since it may stimulate you and make it tough to fall asleep. Experts suggest not exercising for at least three to four hours.
Don't eat a heavy meal late in the day. A light snack before bedtime may help you sleep.
Make your bedroom comfortable. Make certain it is dark, quiet, and not too warm or too cold. If light is a problem, try a sleeping mask. If noise is a problem, try earplugs, a fan, or a "white noise" machine to cover up the sounds.
Follow a routine. Read a book, listen to songs, or have a bath.
Avoid using your bed.
If you do not feel drowsy and can't fall asleep, get up and read or do something that is not overly stimulating until you feel sleepy.
Before you go to bed if you end up lying awake worrying about things, try making a list. This might help you to not focus on those worries overnight.