Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Do You Have Trouble Sleeping?
Trouble sleeping is referred to as insomnia. Insomnia is a either an inability to sleep at all or not being able to sleep for long time periods (for example, the entire night). People with insomnia complain that they cannot keep their eyes closed or of restlessness (the inability to rest or relax). Primary insomnia is caused by anything that is not medical or natural (such as stress). Secondary insomnia is caused by having another previously existing health condition (physical or mental).
There are three main types of insomnia, which relate to the severity. 1. Transient - occurs every so often lasting from a day to week. 2. Acute - having insomnia lasting between three weeks to six months. 3. Chronic - occurs over six months or all of the time. It is hard to give an exact definition of insomnia because everyone sleeps different lengths and has different sleeping patterns. A normal length of time to sleep is between six and ten hours. The average is about eight hours per night (or day depending on when you sleep).
Insomnia can be caused by many different things. Such causes can include: normal aging processes, physical or emotional distress, side effects of drugs or alcohol, or taking in too much caffeine (usually from soda or coffee). Others causes are: bodily pain, allergies, everyday stress or worry, sleeping in rooms that are not well aerated (stuffy), or jetlag (adjusting to different time zones when traveling). Some people have circadian rhythms, which are problems sleeping that are associated with the time of day. Many people also sleepwalk, grinding their teeth, have excessive nightmares, or have rhythmic movement disorder (tossing and turning). Another cause can be related to acid reflux, which is the upward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus and throat. Other causes also include: a lack of exercise, depression or bipolar disorder, and dehydration (low water levels in the body).
If you have insomnia, consult your doctor. Treatment of insomnia can include medication, such as sleeping pills or sedatives; although, many of these medications can have other side effects. If your insomnia problem is psychological, there are antidepressants that act as a sleep aid as well. There are also "home remedies" that can be tried. Such things include: drinking warm milk, taking a soothing bath, aromatherapy (the use of soothing candles and warm oils), exercise, acupuncture (a Chinese relaxation technique), changing your eating habits, and getting to bed at a reasonable time.
There are three main types of insomnia, which relate to the severity. 1. Transient - occurs every so often lasting from a day to week. 2. Acute - having insomnia lasting between three weeks to six months. 3. Chronic - occurs over six months or all of the time. It is hard to give an exact definition of insomnia because everyone sleeps different lengths and has different sleeping patterns. A normal length of time to sleep is between six and ten hours. The average is about eight hours per night (or day depending on when you sleep).
Insomnia can be caused by many different things. Such causes can include: normal aging processes, physical or emotional distress, side effects of drugs or alcohol, or taking in too much caffeine (usually from soda or coffee). Others causes are: bodily pain, allergies, everyday stress or worry, sleeping in rooms that are not well aerated (stuffy), or jetlag (adjusting to different time zones when traveling). Some people have circadian rhythms, which are problems sleeping that are associated with the time of day. Many people also sleepwalk, grinding their teeth, have excessive nightmares, or have rhythmic movement disorder (tossing and turning). Another cause can be related to acid reflux, which is the upward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus and throat. Other causes also include: a lack of exercise, depression or bipolar disorder, and dehydration (low water levels in the body).
If you have insomnia, consult your doctor. Treatment of insomnia can include medication, such as sleeping pills or sedatives; although, many of these medications can have other side effects. If your insomnia problem is psychological, there are antidepressants that act as a sleep aid as well. There are also "home remedies" that can be tried. Such things include: drinking warm milk, taking a soothing bath, aromatherapy (the use of soothing candles and warm oils), exercise, acupuncture (a Chinese relaxation technique), changing your eating habits, and getting to bed at a reasonable time.
