Sleep is still a major problem for Americans. According to a 2012 report by The Lancet, 10 percent of adults meet the criteria for insomnia. Going night after night with little or no sleep can have serious health consequences, such as higher risks for depression, hypertension and diabetes. So what exactly is the difference between feeling a little tired and utterly exhausted? Well, you’re about to find out – here’s what insomnia really feels like.
What is it?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder, in which the person has trouble falling and/or staying asleep. There are two types of insomnia: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia is when the person’s sleep problems aren’t associated with any health conditions. Secondary insomnia – more common than primary insomnia – is when the person’s sleep problems are associated with a health condition, medication they’re taking, or substance abuse.
Insomnia can be acute or chronic. Acute insomnia is short term, lasting one night to only a few weeks. Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, usually occurs at least three nights a week for a month or longer.
Causes
A number of factors can trigger insomnia. Illness, the death of a loved one, losing a job or changing jobs, divorce, certain medications, and disturbance in your normal sleep schedule e.g., jet lag or switching shifts at work can contribute to acute insomnia, while chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and pain/discomfort at night can contribute to chronic insomnia.
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Symptoms
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Waking up too early in the morning
- Fatigue
- Feeling tired even after a good night’s sleep
- Mood changes, such as irritability, depression, and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Behavior problems, such as impulsiveness and aggression
When You Should See a Doctor
If you think you might be suffering from insomnia, then you should definitely see your doctor right away. But, first things first, consider keeping a detailed sleep diary for a few weeks as a way to track your sleep patterns, including what time you go to bed every night, how long it takes you to fall asleep, how long you’re able to stay asleep before waking up, and how long it takes you to fall back asleep. This will help you and your doctor identity if there’s a possible sleep disorder.
Treatment
Of course, a sleeping pill may seem like the most obvious solution for treating insomnia; however non-medical treatments can be just as effective. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be very helpful for insomniacs. Behavioral therapy teaches the patients how to control or eliminate worries that keep them awake at night and requires them to keep a consistent sleep schedule. This includes waking up and going to bed at the same time every day and night and cutting out afternoon naps.
No treatment is necessary for acute insomnia.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Sleep Disorders center for more articles.
