Can’t Sleep? What’s It Called and How Can You Treat It?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It’s a common problem, with one-third of adults experience occasional insomnia and 10 percent have chronic insomnia that affects their daily life.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night, often accompanied by fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. It can last anywhere from days to months and is caused by stress, depression, medications, or other underlying health conditions.
Insomnia can be divided into two categories: primary insomnia and secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia is when you experience sleep problems with no underlying physical or psychological reason, such as jet lag or stress. Secondary insomnia is when sleep problems are caused by an underlying health condition or a medication you’re taking.
What Are the Symptoms of Insomnia?
The most common symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently throughout the night, waking up too early in the morning, and feeling tired throughout the day. Other symptoms of insomnia may include restless sleep, difficulty paying attention or concentrating, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
How Is Insomnia Diagnosed?
If you think you may be experiencing insomnia, it’s important to consult with your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, current medications, and sleep habits to determine the cause of your insomnia. They may also recommend further evaluation to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your sleep problems.
How Is Insomnia Treated?
The treatment of insomnia depends on its underlying cause. In some cases, lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits or stress management techniques, may be enough to treat insomnia. If the cause of insomnia is due to an underlying medical condition or medication, the doctor may recommend changing or discontinuing the medication.
In other cases, cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended to help identify and change negative thought patterns that may be preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep. Your doctor may also prescribe sleeping pills or other medications to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s important to consult with your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your insomnia and recommend the best treatment plan for you. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most cases of insomnia can be managed and resolved.