Insomnia: The Silent Epidemic Taking Over The World

It’s no secret that many of us are not getting enough sleep. In fact, according to a recent poll, one in three Americans say they don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis. This is a problem because not only is sleep important for our overall health and well-being, but it is also essential for memory, focus, and productivity. There are many factors that can contribute to insomnia, including stress, anxiety, medications, and sleep disorders. Insomnia can also be caused by lifestyle choices, such as working late hours or using electronic devices before bed. If you are struggling with insomnia, there are a number of things you can do to get relief. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective methods for treating and preventing insomnia.

Defining insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. People with insomnia may feel tired during the day and may have trouble concentrating. Insomnia can be short-term (acute) or can last a long time (chronic). Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep, but most adults need seven to eight hours a night. There are two types of insomnia: short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic). Short-term insomnia lasts for days or weeks and is commonly caused by stress or a traumatic event. On the other hand, chronic insomnia lasts for a month or more. Insomnia can be the main issue, or it can be linked to other medical conditions or medications.

Prevalence and Causes of insomnia

It is estimated that between 50 and 70 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of insomnia. There are many factors that can contribute to insomnia, including stress, anxiety, depression, medications, and medical conditions. Insomnia can also be caused by poor sleep habits, such as sleeping in an uncomfortable environment or watching television before bed. Most often for me, it is acute. I did speak to my doctor about it just to make sure she knows. I know myself well enough that and have dealt with this for a while that I can pretty much figure out what is causing me to not be able to sleep. According to FamilyDoctor.org, Some cases of insomnia are a symptom or side effect of another problem. This is called secondary insomnia. Many different disorders can cause insomnia. They include:

• Emotional conditions: Depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder

• Neurological disorders: Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease

• Pain conditions: Arthritis and headache disorders

• Gastrointestinal disorders: Heartburn, GERD

• Sleep disorders: Restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea

• Breathing disorders: Asthma or heart failure

• Other conditions: Such as overactive thyroid, stroke, or menopause

Symptoms and Consequences of insomnia

According to Mayo Clinic, Insomnia symptoms may include:

• Difficulty falling asleep at night

• Waking up during the night

• Waking up too early

• Not feeling well-rested after a night's sleep

• Daytime tiredness or sleepiness

• Irritability, depression, or anxiety

• Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks, or remembering

• Increased errors or accidents

• Ongoing worries about sleep

Insomnia can lead to a number of problems including fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression. According to WebMD three other problems, it can also cause are:

• Weight Gain

• Weaker Immune System

• Higher Risk of Accidents

Treatments for Insomnia

With acute insomnia, insomnia generally improves once the stress is removed or after your body has adjusted to the new schedule. A brief spell of over-the-counter sleep medication may provide some relief. Chronic insomnia may require a thorough physical exam, changes to some lifestyle habits, medical treatment, and in some cases, psychiatric therapy to unearth a hidden cause. Address any issue that is triggering insomnia symptoms—simply treating the symptoms of insomnia without attending to the underlying cause will not be beneficial.

Insomnia is one of the most common problems people face, with a variety of different causes. For some, it may be due to stress or anxiety, while for others it may be a medical condition. Insomnia can be treated in a number of ways, depending on the underlying cause. Medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes can all help to improve sleep quality and quantity. If you are struggling with insomnia, it is important to see your doctor in order to identify the cause and develop a treatment plan. If your doctor suspects you have a sleep disorder, you may be referred to a sleep center for special testing. With the help of a medical professional, you can find the cause of your insomnia and begin taking steps to improve your sleep.