Learn How to Treat Your Insomnia and Get a Great Nights Sleep Again!
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic insomnia every year. If you have the medical condition known as chronic insomnia or chronic insomnia disorder and / or know someone who does, it is important that you learn what the causes are so that you can help to treat it. There are many reasons why people suffer from chronic insomnia. There are several quick fixes that you can apply to your poor sleep quality, and they have to do with mostly with setting up a “Positive Sleep Environment” for better sleep efficiency.
Causes of insomnia
Sleep time is incredibly important to your overall health. Insomnia may be caused by physical or mental health conditions and psychological issues, such as bipolar disorder or familial insomnia. Oftentimes, these causes are only temporary, such as heightened stress levels. A medical condition can also lead to cases of insomnia that will lead to no sleep.
Common causes include:
1. Using drugs that are considered recreational, for example cocaine or ecstasy
2. Experiencing any changes to your internal clock, for example a work shift change. Say the 8am – 5pm shift gets changed to 11pm to 7am will mess you up. Also if you have had a long trip overseas and have jet lag.
3. Keep your bedroom cool, not cold or hot. The optimum temperature for great sleep is usually between 60 degrees and 64 degrees. Another cause might be you need a new bed. If the bed is old and sagging, then you might need a newer version.
4. Having a loved one that you are caring for in your home. This may be a cause of sleep apnea or not getting sufficient sleep. Because taking care of a sick relative or friend is incredibly stressful.
5. You are a couch potato and you aren’t getting enough physical exercise. This will often lead to a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
6. Some other consequences of insomnia is having night terrors or bad dreams, which can lead to you running to the store to buy some OTC aids for insomnia. You may even go to your doctor for antidepressants for insomnia. However, you must remember that these prescription sleep aids will not cure the problem, only delay it.
Source: medicalnewstoday.com
Quick Fixes For Insomnia
Home care strategies can be an effective way to manage insomnia. One of the most important steps is to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it. The definition of a regular sleep schedule means going to bed at the same time every night including weekends. Additionally, it’s important to create a relaxing environment in the bedroom that is conducive to sleep. This includes avoiding bright lights, loud noises, and screens before bedtime. It’s also helpful to limit caffeine intake throughout the day and avoid eating large meals close to bedtime. Exercise during the day can also help improve sleep quality by releasing endorphins that make it easier to relax at night. Finally, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation can help reduce stress levels which can interfere with sleep. By following these home care strategies, individuals can better manage their insomnia and get a better night’s rest.
regular exercise
Regular exercise is a great way to help combat insomnia. Exercise helps to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy levels. It also helps to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. When you exercise regularly, your body becomes more accustomed to falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. Exercising in the morning or early afternoon can be especially beneficial for those suffering from chronic insomnia.
relaxation training
Relaxation training is a type of therapy that can help the adult population in their daily life who suffer from insomnia. It involves learning techniques to relax the body and mind, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Relaxation training can be done in a variety of ways, including deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation.
regular sleep schedule
Having a regular sleep schedule is one of the most important things you can do to combat insomnia. A regular sleep schedule helps your body get into a rhythm and allows it to recognize when it’s time to go to bed and when it’s time to wake up. This helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, which can help reduce the symptoms of insomnia.
hygiene for insomnia
Good sleep hygiene is essential for those suffering from insomnia. Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and practices that promote good quality sleep. It’s important to establish a regular bedtime routine, as this helps your body recognize when it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This could include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
light therapy
Light therapy is a type of treatment used to help people with sleep issues. It involves exposing the person to bright light for a specific amount of time each day. This light exposure helps to reset the body’s internal clock, which can help improve sleep patterns and reduce symptoms of insomnia. Light therapy works by sending signals to the brain that it is time to wake up and be active.
dietary habits
Having healthy eating habits is critical for sustaining overall health and wellbeing. One important habit to practice is avoiding going to bed hungry. If necessary, having a light snack before bedtime can help promote restful sleep. This could include something like a piece of fruit or some nuts. It is advisable to avoid eating heavily within 2–3 hours of going to bed, as eating late at night may interfere with your sleep patterns and make it more difficult to get quality sleep.
In addition, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, especially at night, can help promote better sleep quality. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is also important for overall health. Eating a variety of foods helps ensure that the body gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs for optimal functioning. Making sure to include lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of water in your daily meals will help you maintain good dietary habits and boost overall well-being.
Medications for Insomnia
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a classification of prescription medications. These are primarily used to reduce anxiety and promote calmness, relaxation and sleep. They can be prescribed for short-term use if someone is suffering from severe insomnia or extreme distress. Examples of benzodiazepines include temazepam, loprazolam, lormetazepam, diazepam and nitrazepam.
Using benzodiazepines for extended periods of time is generally discouraged as tolerance may develop over time and some people can become dependent on them. Additionally, common side effects such as fatigue and vertigo may linger until the following day. Consult your physician before taking any benzodiazepines to make sure it is a suitable option for you.
Source: (nhsinform.scot)
Over-the-counter sleeping pills
Over-the-counter sleeping pills are a popular choice for people who have difficulty falling asleep. These medications, which are usually antihistamines, can be purchased from pharmacies without a prescription. While they may provide short-term relief from insomnia, taking OTC sleeping pills regularly is not recommended as their effectiveness is unclear and they can cause side effects.
In particular, OTC sleeping pills can cause drowsiness the following morning, making activities such as driving and operating machinery dangerous. If you find yourself relying on these medications to get a good night’s sleep, it is important to speak to your GP for advice. They may be able to recommend alternative treatments or lifestyle changes that could help you get better quality sleep without the need for medication.
Source: (nhsinform.scot)
Z-drugs
Z-drugs are a newer classification of medicines. These work in the same way as benzodiazepines and are similarly effective. They include zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone. Z-drugs can be used to treat insomnia, anxiety and other sleep disorders. However, long-term treatment with these drugs isn’t normally recommended because they can become less effective over time and some people become dependent on them. They’re usually only prescribed for time limit of 2-4 weeks…maximum!!!
Common side effects of Z-drugs include drowsiness and dizziness, which can persist into the next day. Other possible side effects may include headaches, nausea, confusion, impaired coordination and memory problems. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Z-drugs as they may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to another medication. Additionally, it’s important not to drink alcohol while taking Z-drugs as this can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness or impaired coordination.
Source: (nhsinform.scot)
Melatonin (Circadin)
Circadin is an agent that aids in the relief of sleeplessness in adult human beings who are 55 or older. It involves a natural hormone named melatonin, which directs the sleep cycle. Generally, Circadin is only prescribed for three weeks initially, yet can be extended to 13 weeks if it works properly. Ordinary adverse reactions to Circadin include throbbing headaches and symptoms resembling a cold.
It is important to note that Circadin should not be taken without consulting with a doctor first. This medication can interact with other medications and may cause unwanted side effects if taken incorrectly. Additionally, it should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as there have been reports of adverse reactions in these cases. If you are considering taking Circadin for your insomnia, make sure to speak with your doctor about any potential risks before starting the medication.
Source: (nhsinform.scot)
The main causes of insomnia and mild sleep deprivation are stress, an inconsistent sleep schedule, bad sleep habits, mental disorders such as depression and anxiety disorder, physical illnesses, medications, and certain sleep disorders. Some of the causes of these conditions can actually be classified as Short-Term Insomnia and be reversed by making slight changes to your lifestyle. Like keeping a sleep diary or increasing your hours of sleep per night you allot. For example, a person who is constantly stressed may have high blood pressure … and find that if they take up yoga or meditation classes, they can relieve some of the stress and get some high quality sleep. Someone who is constantly meditating or taking yoga classes may also find that they can relax much easier when they are asleep. By making some simple lifestyle changes, you can get back on track to getting a good night’s sleep.
Your medical history and some medications can also add to your lack of sleep. Many prescription drug sleep aids come with the risk of dependency, so if you take them, you should make sure that you are not taking a medicine that increases your risk of acute insomnia. Medications are usually a cause of secondary insomnia if they interfere with your quality of sleep history or if they contain sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, or mood enhancing medications. Rarely, some insomnia medications only effect the morning hours and do not affect your ability to sleep at all during the day.
Emotional and Physical Symptoms of Insomnia
People who suffer from primary insomnia may also experience symptoms similar to depression. These symptoms can include moodiness, irritability, restlessness, thoughts of suicide or death, fatigue and sleepiness during the day, difficulty concentrating, and lack of concentration. A combination of some or all of these symptoms can lead to insomnia. In extreme cases, the risk factors b can lead to heart diseases. If you are having these symptoms, you should see a licensed medical practitioner such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Your mental health professional can help determine if you are experiencing insomnia as a symptom of another condition or if your insomnia is the result of a sleep hygiene problem that needs to be addressed.
It has been proven that chronic insomnia can be caused by physical or emotional factors. In order to deal with insomnia, you should go to your doctor and get a physical exam to identify and get a diagnosis of insomnia … is your health the cause of your sleeping problems. If you are experiencing sleep difficulty and are unable to sleep on an appropriate schedule for several weeks, it is a good possibility that your body’s internal clock is out of sync. You should try to get back in tune with your body by improving your sleeping habits and taking care of the stresses in your life. Making changes in your lifestyle and improving your sleep habits can go a long way toward treating your sleep disorders.
Unfortunately, there is no one test that will diagnose insomnia, but there are several criteria that may point to its presence. If you have been experiencing difficulty staying asleep for more than three weeks, you should see a doctor. Insomnia can be treated, and if you take the proper steps to treat it, you can get back to enjoying a good night’s sleep again. With a good sleep disorder treatment program, you can get back to sleep like a baby.
Behavioral therapy is another way to study your sleep patterns and try to fix your short-term insomnia at home. A common sleep disorder culprit is trying to sleep in front of the television. Any qualified sleep study will show you that this is just awful for your quality of life without sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine lists several viable treatments for insomnia. Check out their website and see what different types of insomnia there are and what therapy for insomnia is right for you. Or you can find a sleep specialist with your healthcare provider. Inquire about those that specialize in adults with insomnia to discover the cause of your sleep issues and severe insomnia and thereby have a better quality of life to look forward to.
In conclusion, unfortunately, there is no one test that will diagnose chronic insomnia or severe sleep disorder, but there are several criteria that may point to its presence. If you have been experiencing difficulty staying asleep for more than three weeks, you should see a doctor. Insomnia can be treated, and if you take the proper steps to treat it, you can get back to enjoying a good night’s sleep again. With a good sleep disorder treatment program, you can get back to sleeping like a baby.