Insomnia Symptoms

The following are common symptoms of insomnia:

• Problems falling asleep
• Fatigue
• Irritation
• Difficulty in concentrating on anything
• Drowsiness during the daytime
• Dependency on sleeping pills
• Waking up at midnight and then having difficulty getting back to sleep

Types of Insomnia

There are four types of insomnia:

• Primary insomnia: This type of insomnia is not related to any medical condition or health issue.
• Secondary insomnia: This type of insomnia is caused by an underlying medical condition such as asthma, depression, or arthritis.
• Acute insomnia: This type of insomnia is short-term and may last for a couple of days or weeks.
• Chronic insomnia: This type of insomnia is long-term and may last for a month or more.

Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Medical conditions, including arthritis, nasal allergies, Parkinson’s disease, back pain, and body pain.
• Emotional stress and disturbances during sleep.
• Sickness, anxiety, and mental disorders.
• Certain medications used to treat cancer and allergies.

Habits to Overcome Insomnia

The following are some habits that can help overcome insomnia:

• Sleep and wake up at the proper time.
• Exercise regularly for at least 3-4 hours before sleeping.
• Have a light dinner before going to sleep.
• Make sure your bedroom is warm and cozy.

Poor Habits That Affect our Sleep Cycle

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for our health and well-being, but there are many habits that can affect the quality and duration of our sleep. Here are some of the most common poor habits that cause sleep problems:

Using electronic devices before bed

Using smartphones, laptops, and tablets can interfere with our body’s natural sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Consuming caffeine late in the day

Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep us awake and alert, making it harder to fall asleep at night. It’s best to avoid consuming caffeine after midday, especially if you have trouble sleeping.

Eating heavy meals before bed

Eating a heavy meal before bed can cause indigestion and discomfort, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Drinking alcohol

Although alcohol can make us feel drowsy and relaxed, it can disrupt our sleep cycle and cause us to wake up frequently at night.

Not sticking to a sleep schedule

Going to bed and waking up at different times each day can disrupt our body’s natural sleep cycle and make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Is Insomnia Even More Prevalent Nowadays?

Approximately 30% of adults in the United States suffer from insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia.

However, there is no clear evidence that insomnia is more prevalent today than it was in the past. Still, several factors suggest that insomnia may be more common today than in previous years.

One of the significant factors that contribute to insomnia is technology. The widespread use of smartphones, computers, and tablets before bedtime can interfere with sleep patterns. The blue light radiated by these devices suppresses melatonin production, a hormone that controls sleep.

Another factor is the increasing levels of stress and anxiety experienced by people today. Modern society’s fast-paced, demanding lifestyle can lead to chronic stress, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep at night.

Insomnia FAQs