What Is Insomnia, Causes and How to Prevent Insomnia

What Is Insomnia, Causes and How to Prevent Insomnia - Insomnia is a sleep disorder that causes sufferers to have difficulty sleeping, or not getting enough sleep, even though there is enough time to do so. The disorder causes the condition of the patient not to be prime to carry out activities the next day.

The quality and quantity of sleep affects the quality of life, as well as the overall health of a person. Insufficient sleep will cause physical and mental disorders. In general, it takes 8 hours of sleep a day to keep the body fit.

Types of Insomnia

#1. Primary Insomnia

Primary insomnia is insomnia that is not associated with other medical conditions.

#2. Secondary Insomnia

secondary insomnia is insomnia caused by other health problems, such as arthritis, asthma, depression, cancer, or gastric acid reflux (GERD). Secondary insomnia can also be caused by consumption of drugs or alcohol.

Insomnia Symptoms

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty sleeping or not sleeping well. As a result, insomnia sufferers can get irritable and depressed. These symptoms can trigger other symptoms, such as:

• Drowsiness during the day.

• Easily tired when on the move.

• Difficult to focus on activities.

Sleeplessness can make insomnia sufferers less concentrated, so the risk of having an accident. Insomnia can also reduce memory and sex drive, and cause physical and mental disorders.

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Causes and Risk Factors for Insomnia

Insomnia can be experienced by anyone, but insomnia is more risky in the elderly, and someone who has health problems. In general, insomnia is caused by several things such as:

• Stress

• Depression

• Unhealthy lifestyle

• Effects of certain drugs.

To determine the diagnosis of insomnia, the doctor will first ask the patient about :

• Medical conditions experienced.

• The condition of the environment around the residence.

• Emotional and psychological conditions.

• Patient's history or sleep schedule.

Information related to a number of the above can help doctors determine the underlying cause of insomnia. Patients will also be asked to record sleep and wake up for several weeks, so that the doctor can find out the patient's sleep patterns. If needed, the doctor will take a blood sample to check for possible sleep disorders due to medical conditions experienced.

If the cause of insomnia is unknown, or there are other symptoms of a sleep disorder, such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea, the doctor will advise the patient to take a polysomnographic test. In a polysomnographic test, the doctor will attach electrodes to the patient's head, temple and chest. The machine connected to the electrode will record a number of patient's body activities during sleep, including brain waves, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Experts determine a number of criteria for diagnosing insomnia. Among other things, sufferers experience sleep dissatisfaction, both in quality and quantity. This condition is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms :

• Difficulties when going to sleep.

• Often wake up in the middle of sleep, or have difficulty continuing to sleep after waking up.

• Get up too early and can't go back to sleep.

Other criteria for determining insomnia are :

• Sleep disorders cause interference in various spheres of life.

• At a minimum, sufferers experience difficulty sleeping 3 nights a week. This condition lasts for at least 3 months.

• Patients still have difficulty sleeping, even though enough time to sleep.

• Insomnia is not associated with other sleep disorders.

• Sleep disorders are not caused by physiological effects of drug use or consumption of drugs.

• Sleep dissatisfaction is not related to mental disorders or medical conditions that are being experienced.

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Treatment for insomnia

Insomnia can be overcome in several ways, such as the use of drugs, cognitive behavioral therapy, or a combination of both. Treatment will be adjusted to the conditions of each patient. If needed, the doctor will give patients sleeping pills for several weeks.

Insomnia can be prevented by :

• Avoid eating and drinking a lot before going to bed.

• Avoid or limit consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.

• Try to be active during the day to avoid napping.