Types Of Insomnia And Treatment

Insomnia:

Insomnia is a condition in which the sufferer has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. An individual can have acute insomnia (lasting less than a month), which can be caused by life stressors or traumatic events. When insomnia lasts for more than a month, the condition becomes chronic. Chronic insomnia can be either secondary or primary. Secondary insomnia is induced by other medical or mental disorders or substances, while primary insomnia is its own disorder and not caused by other conditions.

Chronic Insomnia:

The majority of chronic insomnia cases are secondary. It can be induced by a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to the following:

• Disorders that cause pain
• Disorders that lead to difficulty in breathing
• Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Overactive thyroid
• Gastrointestinal disorders

Insomnia can be a side effect from prescribed medications, such as certain asthma, allergy, and cold medicines. Some commonly used substances, such as caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, can also cause insomnia.

Primary Insomnia:

Primary insomnia is a distinct disorder in itself. It is not caused by other physical or mental disorders or substances. Chronic stress or emotional distress are common precursors to primary insomnia. Insomnia may not fully disappear even if these precursors are resolved. This may be due to the formation of habits in dealing with poor sleep, such as taking naps and worrying. The disorder is poorly understood.

Prevalence:

Women are more likely than men to suffer from insomnia. Older adults are more likely to have insomnia than younger people. African-Americans have higher risks for insomnia than Caucasians. Environmental factors such as stress, lower incomes, and long-distance travel can also increase the risk of insomnia.

Treatments:

If insomnia is secondary, treating the primary condition can improve the symptoms. However, if the primary condition is more difficult or takes longer to treat, there are also ways to target insomnia itself.

The first step in treating insomnia is to establish good sleep hygiene, which includes various lifestyle changes. The following are some tips to improve your sleep hygiene:

• Avoid taking naps during the day.
• Avoid substances that may disrupt sleep, such as caffeine.