Insomnia

Overview

Insomnia is a sleeping disorder. It is the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep, or both. Insomnia may be a symptom of stress, lack of exercise, or even jet lag, but it is not a standalone disease. While many people experience sporadic periods of stress, insomnia may become more chronic over time, which may cause fatigue, anxiety and at times, psychiatric disorders. Nearly 25% of the American population and a large number of people from around the world have experienced acute periods of insomnia.

Insomnia may also be a sign or symptom of various pathophysiological cases that may develop from both medical and psychiatric disorders. Pain, effects of drugs, and other idiopathic factors may also cause insomnia. In some cases, insomnia may result from the intake of drugs that contain caffeine and it is also seen in patients who are trying to get off various sedatives. People should be aware that herbal remedies such as green tea and ginseng might also cause insomnia in some people. Physical and emotional stress also produces anxiety, which may also translate to insomnia, resulting in restlessness.

Insomnia may also be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome that may last for up to two years. Insomnia may also be a sign or symptom of various mood disorders, especially in patients suffering from depression. In many people, manic episodes may produce a decreased need for sleep. Some people who experience insomnia may discover that it is caused by sleep apnea. Insomnia caused by sleep apnea is also associated with headaches, daytime fatigue, hypertension, as well as various personality changes. Insomnia can be classified based on the duration of the problem. In transient insomnia, symptoms last for less than a week, while in short-term insomnia, they last for one to three weeks. In people suffering from chronic insomnia, symptoms may persist for more than three weeks.

Those suffering from acute insomnia should undergo treatment for long-term health. People suffering from insomnia may finally crash from exhaustion if the condition is not treated on time.

Treatment

Transient insomnia may not require any treatment as the symptoms disappear once the underlying trigger is removed or corrected. Sometimes, changing sleeping locations may help to reduce signs of insomnia. People usually go for treatment once the condition becomes chronic. It is important for people to be able to talk about fears and concerns as well as learn relaxation techniques to help fight symptoms and signs of insomnia. In order to determine whether a person is suffering from insomnia, a physician will study the patient's history to try to determine when insomnia began as well as the circumstances that triggered it. Non-pharmacologic (non-medical) and pharmacologic (medical) therapies are used in the treatment of insomnia. Usually, both of these therapies are combined together to offer a solution to this problem. Non-pharmacologic therapies, or cognitive behavioral therapies, include sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, stimulus control, and sleep restriction. Medications and medical therapies involve use of sedatives like benzodiazepine, melatonin, ramelteon, and more.