Insomnia is a very common disorder, resulting in the persistent inability to fall asleep, stay asleep and/or awakening too early.  The sufferer usually does not feel refreshed upon awakening.  Insomnia is more common amongst women than men, and increases with age.  It can certainly cause a lot of distress, as the sufferer worries about not getting enough sleep, which in turn often makes it harder to get to sleep.  This condition can be defined as primary; having no underlying cause, and secondary; being caused by some underlying condition.

 

Insomnia can be classified as the following types:

The patterns of Insomnia include:

 

• Difficulty falling asleep.
• Waking in the middle of the night, and being unable to get back to sleep.
• Waking up too early in the morning.
• Feeling tired, and unfreshed upon waking in the morning.

Causes of Insomnia.

 

• Life stresses – eg. financial, relationship issues, loss of a loved one.
• Stimulants – caffeine, nicotine, alcohol.
• Jetlag
• Shift work
• An environment not conducive to sleep – eg. noise, temperature.
• Hormonal changes – including pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation.
• Restless leg syndrome.
• Physical pain.
• Psychiatric disorders – including anxiety and depression.
• Parasites.
• High altitude.
• Certain drugs, eg anti-depressants.
• Some Medical conditions can affect sleep.  Some examples include Acid Reflux, Arthritis, Cardio Vascular disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Degenerative diseases, eg. Parkinsons, Respiratory conditions, eg. asthma, Sleep apnoea, Strokes.

The above is only an example of some of the conditions that may contribute to Insomnia.  Certainly, if you are suffering from this condition, it is important to seek the advice of a professional healthcare practitioner.

 

 

It is important to consult your healthcare professional, to check for any underlying causes of Insomnia.  Some procedures and treatments that may assist in alleviating symptoms include:

 

• Avoid stimulants prior to going to bed, eg. caffeine.
• Take a relaxing warm bath, with some Epsom salts added.
• Make sure the bed you are sleep on is right for you – comfort and posture can play a significant role.
• Undertake some form of physical exercise during the day.
• Follow a regular sleeping pattern.
• Avoid sleeping in.
• Check your sleep environment, eg noise, darkness.
• Remove digital and electronic devices away from the bed; preferably remove them from the bedroom.
• Some herbs may be beneficial to help with sleep problems, eg. Valerian, chamomile, lavender.
• Increase your magnesium intake. Good sources include green leaf vegetables, and nuts and seeds.
• Learn Relaxation techniques.
• Hypnosis.
• Homeopathy.
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. This involves working with a therapist on thought processes, and changing behaviour and beliefs, associated with the condition.
• Acupuncture.
• Medication – include over-the-counter, and prescription only medications.
• 1. Over the counter. Most common include antihistamines.  These are short term solutions only, as side effects are a common problem.
• 2. Prescription Only. These are known as Sedative Hypnotics.  They work on brain receptors, and assist in slowing down the nervous system.  Again, it is important to discuss possible side effects with your Healthcare Professional.