Fast facts on insomnia
By Olaide Osayemi
There are many possible causes of insomnia but often, insomnia is due to a secondary cause, such as illness or lifestyle. Insomnia includes a wide range of sleeping disorders, from lack of sleep quality to lack of sleep quantity. Insomnia is usually sectioned into three types;
Transient insomnia: This occurs when symptoms last up to three nights.
Acute insomnia: This is called short term insomnia. Symptoms persist for several weeks.
Chronic insomnia: This type lasts for months, and sometimes years. According to the National Institutes of Health, the majority of chronic insomnia cases are side effects resulting from another primary problem.
Insomnia can affect people of any age, it is more common in adult females than adult males. The sleeping disorder can undermine school and work performance, as well as contributing to obesity, anxiety, depression, irritability, concentration problems, memory problems, poor immune system function, and reduced reaction time.
Insomnia has also been associated with a higher risk of developing chronic diseases. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 30 to 40 percent of adults report that they have had symptoms of insomnia within the last 12 months, and 11 to 15 percent of adults claim to have chronic insomnia.
Causes of insomnia
Insomnia can be caused by physical and psychological factors. There is sometimes an underlying medical condition that causes chronic insomnia, while transient insomnia may be due to a recent event or occurrence. Insomnia is commonly caused by;
Disruptions in circadian rhythm: jet lag, job shift changes, high altitudes, environmental noise, extreme heat or cold.
Psychological issues: bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, or psychotic disorders.
Medical conditions: chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, congestive heart failure, angina, acid-reflux disease (GERD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, sleep apnea, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, brain lesions, tumors and stroke.
Hormones: Estrogen, hormone shifts during menstruation.
Other factors: Sleeping next to a snoring partner, parasites, genetic conditions, overactive mind, pregnancy.
Media technology in the bedroom: Several small studies in adults and children have suggested that an exposure to light from televisions and smartphones prior to going to sleep can affect natural melatonin levels and lead to increased time to sleep.
In addition, backlit tablet computers can also affect sleep patterns. Studies suggest that technology in the bedroom can worsen insomnia, leading to more complications.
Medications
The following medications can cause insomnia in some patients:
Corticosteroids, statins, alpha blockers, beta blockers, SSRI antidepressants, ACE inhibitors, ARBs (angiotensin II-receptor blockers), cholinesterase inhibitors, second generation (non-sedating) H1 agonists and glucosamine/chondroitin.
Signs and symptoms of insomnia
Insomnia itself may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. However, there are many signs and symptoms that are associated with insomnia:
Difficulty falling asleep at night, Waking during the night, Waking earlier than desired, Still feeling tired after a night’s sleep, Daytime fatigue or sleepiness, Irritability, depression, or anxiety, Poor concentration and focus, Being uncoordinated, an increase in errors or accidents, Tension headaches (feels like a tight band around head), Difficulty socializing, Gastrointestinal symptoms and Worrying about sleeping.
Sleep deprivation can cause other symptoms. The afflicted person may wake up not feeling fully awake and refreshed, and may have a sensation of tiredness and sleepiness throughout the day.
Having problems concentrating and focusing on tasks is common for people with insomnia. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 20 percent of non-alcohol related car crash injuries are caused by driver sleepiness.
Treatment options
Some types of insomnia resolve when the underlying cause is treated or wears off. In general, insomnia treatment focuses on determining the cause.
Once identified, this underlying cause can be properly treated or corrected.
In addition to treating the underlying cause of insomnia, both medical and non-pharmacological (behavioral) treatments may be used as therapies.
Non-pharmacological approaches and home remedies for insomnia include:
Improving sleep hygiene : Not sleeping too much or too little, exercising daily, not forcing sleep, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine at night, avoiding smoking, avoiding going to bed hungry, and ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment.
Using relaxation techniques: Such as meditation and muscle relaxation.
Cognitive therapy: One-on-one counseling or group therapy.
Stimulus control therapy: Only go to bed when sleepy. Avoid watching TV, reading, eating, or worrying in bed. Set an alarm for the same time every morning (even weekends) and avoid long daytime naps.
Sleep restriction: Decrease the time spent in bed and partially deprive the body of sleep, this increases tiredness ready for the next night.
Medical treatments for insomnia include:
prescription sleeping pills, antidepressants, over-the-counter sleep aids, antihistamines, melatonin and ramelteon
Who gets insomnia?
Some people are more likely to suffer from insomnia than others. These include:
Travelers: Particularly through multiple time zones
Shift Workers: With frequent changes in shifts (day vs. night)
The elderly
Drug users
Adolescent or young adult students
Pregnant women
Menopausal women
Those with mental health disorders
