How Too Tell If Your Sleep Problem Is Insomnia

About 35% of adults claim that they have somerhythm sleep problems. Additional causes of insomnia
form of insomnia occasionally and about 12% ofinclude poor sleep hygiene, poor sleep surfaces such
these people claim to have severe insomnia. Insomniaas bad mattresses, hyper arousal, and behavioral
complaints often increase with age and are moreconditioning.
common in women.Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS is a condition where
Insomnia is not considered a disease but it is athe sufferer feels unpleasant sensations in the legs
condition of lack of correct, satisfying sleep.which are temporarily alleviated by moving around.
Someone with insomnia will generally have theSymptoms are increased during relaxed times and
sensation of daytime fatigue and impaired potentialsleeping times. This makes it difficult to fall asleep.
performance. Insomnia relates to the inability to sleepPeriodic Limb Movement Disorder describes jerking,
even though one is tired and can include waking uprhythmic, repeated movements in the legs and lower
too early and having too fitful of a sleep leaving oneextremities every 15 to 90 seconds. Sufferers who
tired upon waking. Insomnia can result in irritability,have this problem report having less refreshing sleep.
lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and tiredness.Sleep Apnea which is associated with snoring can
There are two generally recognized types ofcause sleeplessness and insomnia.
insomnia, acute and chronic. Both acute and chronicCircadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders refer to a mis-
insomnia have many shared characteristics and amatch between when a person can sleep and when
combination of symptoms may blur the actual lines.his body needs and wants to sleep.
Acute insomnia is often caused by physical orOther causes of insomnia include poor sleep hygiene,
emotional discomforts that can usually be correctedstress, hyper arousal and negative behavioral
fairly easily. Acute insomnia may be caused by stress,conditioning.
illness or disturbing loud noise, temperatures too highOften acute insomnia (insomnia that lasts less than
or low, or unacceptable light levels. Additionally, acuteseveral weeks) may warrant some kind of medical
insomnia may be caused by jet lag or disturbances ofintervention if you can not correct the problem
the daily biological rhythm, such as the night shift.yourself. This is important because good sleepers
Chronic insomnia is the more difficult insomnia to dealthat suffer just a few hours of sleeplessness may
with and often is associated with many differentbecome significantly sleepy during the day and be a
factors either acting alone or in combination anddanger to him self and others, especially during driving
often includes medical problems.or operating equipment. There is also the danger that
Chronic insomnia is often associated with medical,acute insomnia may develop into a learned chronic
neurological and or psychiatric disorders. Psychiatricinsomnia.
disorders accounts for about 45% of the cases.There are two basic approaches to the treatment of
Chronic insomnia can be associated with a variety ofinsomnia. Basically one approach is to use drugs and
nonprescription drugs, prescription drugs and drugs ofthe other approach is behavioral.
abuse.Behavioral treatment includes correcting poor sleep
There are many causes of insomnia and often anhabits and changing sleep beliefs and attitudes.
insomniac has more then one cause to blame for thisSeveral of the therapies include relaxation therapy,
condition. One of the main causes of insomnia aresleep restriction therapy, stimulus control therapy,
drugs. Some of the drugs associated with insomniaand cognitive therapy.
include stimulating antidepressants, steroids,Pharmacological therapy includes hypnotic
decongestants, beta blockers, caffeine, alcohol,medications, antidepressants, antihistamines,
nicotine, and recreational drugs.melatonin, and other drugs like barbiturates.
Anxiety and mood disorders can be the cause ofIn conclusion, there are effective solutions to
insomnia, as well as medical problems such as pain,insomnia and sleep deprivation. The patient can do
immobility, menopause, hormonal changes, andmuch to help themselves in this matter and the
difficulty breathing.physician has many tools to aid in this. Improved
Insomnia can be associated with specific sleepsleep will help in your quality of life, and health both
disorders such as restless legs syndrome, periodicmental and physical.
limb movement disorder, sleep apnea and circadian