Causes and symptoms of Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a state of inadequate sleep, it may be due to inadequate quality or quantity of sleep. Insomnia is a sleep disorder which brings about the inability to sleep or stay asleep as long as desired.

Insomnia deprives a person of mental rest and thereby interferes with his daily activities, it constitute a severe health hazard when it becomes a habit. Insomnia can not only sap your energy level and mood but also your health, work performance and quality of life.

Sleep is a periodic state of rest for the body which is absolutely essential for our efficient functioning and its advantages are numerous.

How much sleep is enough varies from person to person. Most adults need seven to eight hours a night.

People who have trouble sleeping sometimes turn to sleeping pills, which can help when used used occasionally but may lead to substance dependency or addiction if used regularly for an extended period.

It is common for people who have difficulty falling asleep to also have nocturnal awakenings with difficulty returning to sleep. 

Types of Insomnia:

Short term Insomnia:
It persists between a few days and three weeks .
Chronic Insomnia:
Insomnia is considered chronic after three weeks. Chronic insomnia can persist for months or even years.
Anxiety, depression and chronic pain can contribute to chronic insomnia.




Symptoms of insomnia:

- Emotional instability
- Lapses of memory and lack of concentration
- Loss of coordination
- Dramatic changes in the duration and quality of sleep.
- Daytime drowsiness and fatigue,
- Trouble getting back to sleep when awakened




Causes of sleeplessness:

-Mental tension is the most common cause and is brought about by worries, anxiety, overwork, over-excitements, anger and bitterness.
- Overeating at night
- Going to bed hungry, and worrying about falling asleep is enough to keep one awake.
- Excessive or unpleasant noise
- Changes in shift of work
- Withdrawal from drug, alcohol, sedative or stimulant medications




Cures:

Sleeping pills are no remedy, because they lower I.Q, dull the brain and can be dangerous if taken continually and in excess, some of the side effects include indigestion, poor appetite, high blood pressure, kidney and liver problem plus mental confusion.
If you have trouble sleeping try these health tips to overcome.

- Do not eat late at night
- Eat healthy diet and light meal hours before bedtime
- Do not turn on the TV at night
- Try some stress relieving exercises hours before bedtime
- Drink warm milk before bedtime, the amino acids contain in milk induce sleep
- Hydrotherapy, the application of hot packs to the spine or hot foot bath or warm water bath before bedtime is effective for insomnia
- Eliminate as many stress factor as possible

This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never disregard seeking professional medical advice from your docto