peterhutch asked:


 

Insomnia is a symptom of a sleeping disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep despite the opportunity. It is typically followed by functional impairment while awake. Insomniacs have been known to complain about being unable to close their eyes or “rest their mind” for more than a few minutes at a time. Both organic and non-organic insomnia constitute a sleep disorder.

Insomnia Causes

The most common psychological problems include anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, insomnia may be an indicator of depression. Many people will have insomnia during the acute phases of a mental illness.

Many people have insomnia. People who have insomnia may not be able to fall asleep. They may wake up during the night and not be able to fall back asleep, or they may wake up too early in the morning.

Insomnia contributes to excessive daytime tiredness, which in turn may be responsible for accidents, recurrent infections, poor concentration, irritability, work and relationship problems and a general inability to cope.

Anxiety, a condition in which individuals feel increased tension, apprehension, and feelings of helplessness, fear, worry, and uncertainty. This may be due to the effects that other people at work have on us, financial worries, concerns over relationships outside work or numerous other causes.

Symptoms

Insomnia symptoms may include:

Difficulty falling asleep at night

Waking up during the night

Waking up too early

Daytime fatigue or sleepiness

Daytime irritability

It’s common for older adults to sleep less deeply and for less time than they did earlier in life, and to experience fragmented sleep. However, these normal changes in the sleep patterns of older adults do not mean that they should expect inadequate rest and to awaken feeling unrefreshed.8 Routine poor-quality sleep due to health problems, medication use, and major life changes can lead to chronic sleep problems.

Diagnosis of Insomnia

Surprisingly, a sleep study is not routinely recommended for those complaining of insomnia. The reason is that when a sleep study is performed in someone suffering from insomnia, it does not generally give any new information; it simply confirms that the patient is having trouble sleeping. The best way to find the cause for insomnia is by careful history taking. Assessment of recent onset insomnia should focus on acute personal and medical problems.

Treatment

The treatment of insomnia depends on its cause and severity. If insomnia results from another disorder, treatment of that disorder may improve sleep. For most people who have insomnia, some simple changes in lifestyle, such as following a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine after lunch time, can improve sleep.

In addition to daytime tiredness or fatigue, chronic insomnia can be associated with a complaint of compromised intellectual function, mood disturbance, or an increase in physical complaints (e.g., headaches and gastrointestinal problems). Beyond these outcomes, there is now considerable evidence that individuals with chronic insomnia have an increased risk of psychiatric illness (especially major depressive disorder) and substance abuse and there is mounting evidence that insomnia is associated with absenteeism from work, higher health care costs, and reduced quality of life.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive behavior therapy helps patients change thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep. Treatment methods are often used in combination for increased effect.

 

You may find that if you are unable to fall asleep or wake up in the night, you spend a lot of time in bed trying unsuccessfully to sleep. If so, you may benefit from a sleep restriction program that initially allows only a few hours of sleep during the night. Gradually this time is increased until a normal sleep period is achieved.

 

Antihistamines

 

Diphenhydramine (for example, Sominex, Nytol) and doxylamine (for example, Unisom) are antihistamines that are currently marketed as OTC sleep aids. Diphenhydramine is the only agent that is considered to be safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration. The safety and effectiveness of doxylamine has not been evaluated adequately for FDA approval.

Patricia Hammond asked:


Many herbs can be effectively and inexpensively used to ease the nerves and promote relaxation and sleep. Some people may not know though that the use of some herbs can result in side effects or that some herbs are less effective and safe than others. Here are some useful tips to ensure that you are using a safe insomnia herbal remedy.

Conduct Your Own Research

The internet, health practitioners and local support groups are perfect resources for your search for a safe insomnia herbal remedy. Take note of popular herbs used for insomnia herbal remedy products and research for the answer to specific questions like:

· How exactly can this insomnia herbal remedy promote sleep and relaxation?

· What are it effects on vital body functions?

· Are there any negative side effects and are any of the side effects long term and potentially life threatening?

· Are there people using the herb who have experienced positive results?

· What do studies and experts say about this popular insomnia herbal remedy?

· Are there warnings in the internet against this insomnia herbal remedy? Have there been controversial cases linked to the herb?

· Does this herb have the least negative side effects?

Look for a Reputable Brand

Aside from getting yourself personally informed, you should also consider buying an insomnia herbal remedy from a reputable company who has been in the business for some time. A reputable insomnia herbal remedy brand will be able to provide you with valuable information about the remedy. They will not just tell you that their product can provide relief from insomnia. They will also tell you exactly how their product can promote positive results. You will easily find ingredient descriptions and ingredient effects in a good product site. You can simply cross check the information provided by looking for unbiased medical journals or studies in the internet. A reputable manufacturer or distributor will also provide you free access to additional information about insomnia and other sleep disorders to help you understand your condition better.

Don’t Experiment with Herbs

Some sources may provide you with home remedies for insomnia. Some of these remedies may actually be safe to use and may even work. Your home remedy herbal instructions however should contain specific amount instructions. Not all herbs can be safely used in any experimental amount. Even herbs taken as instructed may still cause side effects. Hops, chamomile and lavender for example are herbs for insomnia that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Use Your Common Sense

Because herbs have not been extensively studied, common sense would tell us not to use herbs under specific conditions unless cleared by a physician for safe use. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, young children, people taking strong medications, people with allergies and people with serious ailments should refrain from taking any insomnia herbal remedy. An insomnia herbal remedy’s properties could have negative side effects in people with special conditions.

Ask Your Doctor’s Opinion

If you are already using a remedy or have switched from one remedy to another and you are still not experiencing any positive effects or have a worse condition, then you should immediately see your doctor. You could already be suffering from chronic insomnia that could lead to a more serious condition. You could also be suffering from a serious underlying condition that could be causing your insomnia.