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Insomnia facts and treatment
Sleep is a period of rest for our body and mind. Every one of us need sleep in order to refresh our body and for daytime alertness. Sleep timing may differ from person to person depending upon their age, work, body and mental condition etc. A newborn baby may sleep about 16 to 18 hrs a day. Teenagers sleep about 10-12 hrs a day. Adults may require 7-8 hours of sleep.
Insomnia is an inability to sleep or experiencing improper or insufficient sleep. Insomnia can be classified into 3 types:
- Chronic Insomnia, which lasts for months or even years.
- Acute Insomnia, which lasts for several weeks.
- Transient Insomnia, which lasts for a day or few days.
Causes of Insomnia
Research Reports reveal that most of the Americans suffer from Insomnia. Insomnia may be caused due to fear, stress, sadness, neurological disorders, jet lag, pain etc. Environmental factors such as sound and exposure to bright light may also disturb proper sleeping. Persons who work in night shifts or rotational shifts have to change their sleep timing very often. This might also cause insomnia. Certain drugs like amphetamines, ephedrine etc. may also cause insomnia. It may also be caused due to death of family members or loved ones.
Treatment for Insomnia
Research proves that insomnia may not be a problem, but a symptom of some other problem. There are various ways of treating insomnia. It is very essential to keep your mind free from worries, clean and hygienic bedroom will help to get proper sleep. Maintain regular sleeping hours which would help in getting enough sleep. Sleeping pills help to treat insomnia but may have certain side effects.
Cognitive behavior therapy also seems to be effective in controlling insomnia. Alternative treatments such as hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, herbology, acupuncture also help in treating insomnia.