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.
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.
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.
