Treatment for Chronic Insomnia
May 10, 2011 by admin
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
Bharat Bista asked:
Insomnia is the most common sleep problem reported by adults. Approximately one-half of all adults have occasional sleep problems during the course of any year. Insomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep or to maintain sleep, usually due to an underlying condition or cause. Both men and women of all ages suffer from insomnia, but it is more common in females and older adults. Individuals suffering from insomnia may experience any or all of the following symptoms:
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying asleep
Waking too early in the morning
Typically, insomnia is associated with feelings of restlessness, irritability, anxiety, unrefreshing sleep, and daytime fatigue. Medical or psychiatric conditions that are sometimes associated with insomnia include depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and chronic medical conditions. Medications and other substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine, can also play an important role in the development or persistence of insomnia. Some commonly used medications, such as antidepressants, antihypertensive, antihistamines, and decongestants, have been known to cause insomnia and sleep disruption. Before discontinuing any medication, however, it is very important to discuss your concerns with your doctor first.
For most people with insomnia, the symptoms last a few days to weeks, and then resolve spontaneously. In many of these cases, the underlying cause of insomnia may be a transient life stress or change in the daily routine of an individual. However, for those who have chronic insomnia, lasting for three months or longer, the effects of poor sleep can take a significant toll on quality of life and general well-being. The effects of chronic insomnia include reduced quality of life, impaired social functioning, diminished work productivity, missed work days, impaired memory and concentration, and depression. In essence, chronic insomnia can deprive individuals of their ability to function both socially and professionally, which can then lead to increasing problems in these areas of life.
In addition to decreased job performance, insomnia is associated with increased absenteeism. People with insomnia are at increased risk for various kinds of accidents, both at work and while operating motor vehicles.
Managing Insomnia
Chronic insomnia is characterized by its chronicity. Thus, individuals with chronic insomnia can expect that the problem may be life-long. However, there are successful treatments available that can help to control the severity and to minimize the long-term effects of insomnia.
Scientific research has demonstrated that the most successful treatment protocol for chronic insomnia is a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a series of behavioral interventions used to improve one’s ability to initiate and to maintain sleep. Specifically, CBT is a group of techniques that can be learned to help one sleep better. Generally, CBT is conducted in individual or small group formats, over a period of several weeks. As mentioned earlier, CBT is most successful in conjunction with medication for the treatment of chronic insomnia. However, treatment with medication is not required in every case.
So what exactly is CBT?
CBT encompasses several different techniques, which may be used all together or individually. These various techniques include sleep hygiene training, relaxation therapy, stimulus control therapy, sleep restriction, and cognitive therapy. Sleep hygiene training refers to re-learning habits that encourage and promote sleep. Maintenance of a quiet sleep environment may mean excluding a pet from the bedroom or getting a bed partner to seek help for a snoring problem. Relaxation therapy helps to reduce physiologic and cognitive arousal at bedtime. Some people may be unaware of how tension and stress affect their sleep. Stimulus control therapy works by limiting the presence of external stimuli or factors that may bring anxiety or stress into the bedroom environment. Implementation of this technique can help to establish the bedroom as a place to relax and unwind, away from the stresses of the world. Sleep restriction limits the amount of time spent lying awake in bed. This technique requires close oversight by a physician or psychologist, using sleep diaries, to ensure successful treatment. Cognitive therapy works to refute an individual’s thoughts about sleeplessness and the fear and anxiety related to these thoughts. Cognitive therapy has the potential to provide patients with good tools to deal with insomnia.
CBT is generally conducted by psychologists or physicians with specialized training in these techniques. Unfortunately, CBT for chronic insomnia is not readily available everywhere; however, by doing some research through internet resources or by contacting the National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org) or the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (www.aasmnet.org), you may be able to find someone in your area. At the Dallas Center for Sleep Disorders, we offer Insomnia Workshops with CBT for chronic insomnia. You can contact us for more information (www.dallas-sleep.com or 972-473-7300).
Insomnia is the most common sleep problem reported by adults. Approximately one-half of all adults have occasional sleep problems during the course of any year. Insomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep or to maintain sleep, usually due to an underlying condition or cause. Both men and women of all ages suffer from insomnia, but it is more common in females and older adults. Individuals suffering from insomnia may experience any or all of the following symptoms:
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying asleep
Waking too early in the morning
Typically, insomnia is associated with feelings of restlessness, irritability, anxiety, unrefreshing sleep, and daytime fatigue. Medical or psychiatric conditions that are sometimes associated with insomnia include depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and chronic medical conditions. Medications and other substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine, can also play an important role in the development or persistence of insomnia. Some commonly used medications, such as antidepressants, antihypertensive, antihistamines, and decongestants, have been known to cause insomnia and sleep disruption. Before discontinuing any medication, however, it is very important to discuss your concerns with your doctor first.
For most people with insomnia, the symptoms last a few days to weeks, and then resolve spontaneously. In many of these cases, the underlying cause of insomnia may be a transient life stress or change in the daily routine of an individual. However, for those who have chronic insomnia, lasting for three months or longer, the effects of poor sleep can take a significant toll on quality of life and general well-being. The effects of chronic insomnia include reduced quality of life, impaired social functioning, diminished work productivity, missed work days, impaired memory and concentration, and depression. In essence, chronic insomnia can deprive individuals of their ability to function both socially and professionally, which can then lead to increasing problems in these areas of life.
In addition to decreased job performance, insomnia is associated with increased absenteeism. People with insomnia are at increased risk for various kinds of accidents, both at work and while operating motor vehicles.
Managing Insomnia
Chronic insomnia is characterized by its chronicity. Thus, individuals with chronic insomnia can expect that the problem may be life-long. However, there are successful treatments available that can help to control the severity and to minimize the long-term effects of insomnia.
Scientific research has demonstrated that the most successful treatment protocol for chronic insomnia is a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a series of behavioral interventions used to improve one’s ability to initiate and to maintain sleep. Specifically, CBT is a group of techniques that can be learned to help one sleep better. Generally, CBT is conducted in individual or small group formats, over a period of several weeks. As mentioned earlier, CBT is most successful in conjunction with medication for the treatment of chronic insomnia. However, treatment with medication is not required in every case.
So what exactly is CBT?
CBT encompasses several different techniques, which may be used all together or individually. These various techniques include sleep hygiene training, relaxation therapy, stimulus control therapy, sleep restriction, and cognitive therapy. Sleep hygiene training refers to re-learning habits that encourage and promote sleep. Maintenance of a quiet sleep environment may mean excluding a pet from the bedroom or getting a bed partner to seek help for a snoring problem. Relaxation therapy helps to reduce physiologic and cognitive arousal at bedtime. Some people may be unaware of how tension and stress affect their sleep. Stimulus control therapy works by limiting the presence of external stimuli or factors that may bring anxiety or stress into the bedroom environment. Implementation of this technique can help to establish the bedroom as a place to relax and unwind, away from the stresses of the world. Sleep restriction limits the amount of time spent lying awake in bed. This technique requires close oversight by a physician or psychologist, using sleep diaries, to ensure successful treatment. Cognitive therapy works to refute an individual’s thoughts about sleeplessness and the fear and anxiety related to these thoughts. Cognitive therapy has the potential to provide patients with good tools to deal with insomnia.
CBT is generally conducted by psychologists or physicians with specialized training in these techniques. Unfortunately, CBT for chronic insomnia is not readily available everywhere; however, by doing some research through internet resources or by contacting the National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org) or the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (www.aasmnet.org), you may be able to find someone in your area. At the Dallas Center for Sleep Disorders, we offer Insomnia Workshops with CBT for chronic insomnia. You can contact us for more information (www.dallas-sleep.com or 972-473-7300).
Insomnia: 6 Killer Tactics to Cure Sleep Disorders
Mark M Morris asked:
Insomnia stands for a condition wherein the patient either cannot sleep or faces difficulty in attaining a natural sleep. While the former is called simple insomnia, the latter is termed as chronic insomnia. Sleep disorders are fairly common these days and while most remedies are related to the harmful “over the counter” medicines, there are a few which can be considered natural and more effective than others. The reason for the spread of sleep disorders is an unhealthy lifestyle and bad eating habits. Let us now discuss the top 5 ways for getting rid of sleep related disorders for ever.
Encourage A Healthy Timetable
One of the main reasons for insomnia is an unhealthy lifestyle. Treating insomnia is not as difficult as treating the root cause. Insomnia causes are plenty and the main reason why we cannot sleep or sustain our nap is simply because we sleep after midnight and wake up after midday. Treating insomnia the natural way is often considered an ideal remedy and therefore you need to set a timetable for yourself. Here, you need to sleep before midnight and wake up at the ***** of dawn.
Say No To Junk Food
Another reason why we develop a sleeping disorder is because we often never get a chance of eating healthy food. If in case you are habitual of eating a healthy diet which is comprised of an ideal combination of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, we would automatically tune our bodies for a good night rest. Insomnia treatment suggests that you say no to junk food like burgers and fries and encourage the intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and milk.
Avoid Unnecessary Stress Through Meditation
The third major cause for sleep related disorders is the lack of peace in one’s mind. If in case you wish to enjoy a good night’s sleep, you need to try and remain calm under all circumstances. Insomnia cures suggest that you try and follow a planned meditation program through which you can hope to retain your peace of mind. Insomnia cures also recommend that the time of meditation needs to be early in the morning.
Indulge In Regular Exercise
Sleep insomnia is a serious concern for people from across the globe. If in case you wish to cure your sleeplessness state, you would be required to regularize your metabolism process. Sleep insomnia remedies suggest that you take a jog early in the morning as the air is clean. Once your metabolism is mobilized, you would be able to attain a good night’s sleep. In case you cannot find time to jog, you can always take an early morning walk on the treadmill or make do with a skipping rope.
Take A Break from Work
Insomnia causes may have been owing to immense work pressure at office. In such a scenario, you are advised to take a breather. Insomnia causes stresses that in case you are overworked, the chances are that you may not be able to concentrate on your sleep as the pending work is always on your mind. A planned sabbatical is therefore suggested as one of the most suitable insomnia remedies.
Choose A Natural Therapy
One of the most effective insomnia remedies includes the addition of a natural therapy. Choose a tried and tested therapy which has been known to work wonders for others. Pick one from the World Wide Web. This would help you getting rid of your sleep related disorders for ever.
The Cause of Primary and Secondary Insomnia
May 10, 2011 by admin
Filed under Disruptions
gladys906 asked:
Although we often ask ‘what causes insomnia’, it is important to understand that the causes will depend very much on whether you are suffering from primary or secondary insomnia.
Primary insomnia is insomnia which does not have a specific medical or emotional root. For example, primary insomnia is insomnia that does not appear as a side-effect of medication or as a symptom of an emotional or medical disorder. In other words primary disorder can be linked directly to its cause and is a primary, rather than a secondary, result of that cause.
A good example of primary insomnia would be insomnia resulting from long-haul air travel. Here it is the shift in your body’s internal clock, which is a direct result of air travel, which causes your insomnia. Another good example is shift work insomnia in which you are asking your body to sleep when its internal clock says you should be awake and to work when your clock says you should be sleeping.
Secondary insomnia is often much more complex and can be caused by a whole variety of different things.
A common cause of secondary insomnia is an emotional disorder such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Other emotional disorders also giving rise to insomnia as a secondary symptom might include Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
There are also a number of common medical conditions which can give rise to insomnia including those with accompanying chronic pain, such as arthritis; those which affect breathing, such as asthma or certain heart problems and a range of general conditions including an overactive thyroid, gastrointestinal difficulties and heartburn.
Other sleep problems can themselves also give rise to insomnia and a good example of this would be restless leg syndrome.
Perhaps the commonest cause of secondary insomnia however is seen in the side-effects of a range of medications and in other chemical substances which we put into our bodies.
Medicines used to treat the common cold, asthma, allergies and heart conditions can often lead to insomnia. In addition, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine account for a substantial proportion of people suffering from insomnia.
Perhaps the most surprising cause of secondary insomnia however is to be found in sedatives – the common sleeping pill. Although sleeping pills can be very helpful in the short-term many people continue to take them for extended periods and unwittingly cause rather than cure their insomnia.
Although we often ask ‘what causes insomnia’, it is important to understand that the causes will depend very much on whether you are suffering from primary or secondary insomnia.
Primary insomnia is insomnia which does not have a specific medical or emotional root. For example, primary insomnia is insomnia that does not appear as a side-effect of medication or as a symptom of an emotional or medical disorder. In other words primary disorder can be linked directly to its cause and is a primary, rather than a secondary, result of that cause.
A good example of primary insomnia would be insomnia resulting from long-haul air travel. Here it is the shift in your body’s internal clock, which is a direct result of air travel, which causes your insomnia. Another good example is shift work insomnia in which you are asking your body to sleep when its internal clock says you should be awake and to work when your clock says you should be sleeping.
Secondary insomnia is often much more complex and can be caused by a whole variety of different things.
A common cause of secondary insomnia is an emotional disorder such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Other emotional disorders also giving rise to insomnia as a secondary symptom might include Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
There are also a number of common medical conditions which can give rise to insomnia including those with accompanying chronic pain, such as arthritis; those which affect breathing, such as asthma or certain heart problems and a range of general conditions including an overactive thyroid, gastrointestinal difficulties and heartburn.
Other sleep problems can themselves also give rise to insomnia and a good example of this would be restless leg syndrome.
Perhaps the commonest cause of secondary insomnia however is seen in the side-effects of a range of medications and in other chemical substances which we put into our bodies.
Medicines used to treat the common cold, asthma, allergies and heart conditions can often lead to insomnia. In addition, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine account for a substantial proportion of people suffering from insomnia.
Perhaps the most surprising cause of secondary insomnia however is to be found in sedatives – the common sleeping pill. Although sleeping pills can be very helpful in the short-term many people continue to take them for extended periods and unwittingly cause rather than cure their insomnia.
Insomnia: Rozerem and Other Sleep Aids Explained
May 10, 2011 by admin
Filed under Correct Diagnosis
Antonio LeMaire asked:
You’ve likely seen the popular TV ad campaign for Rozerem… the insomnia guy who keeps late-night company with Abe Lincoln, a beaver, and other colorful characters from his dreams?
Insomnia is such a common problem (one in three adults report having some type of insomnia) that sleep aids such as Rozerem are more popular than ever.
In this article, we’ll look at the different types of insomnia, self help treatments you can try, and Rozerem as a sleep aid for the treatment of insomnia.
What Causes Insomnia
Insomnia happens when your sleep-wake cycle, or your internal clock, is disrupted. It can be caused by many factors: stress, illness, pain, jet lag, sleep apnea, excessive physical or emotional arousal, shift work, a sedentary lifestyle, worrying about sleep, depression, and other factors.
Certain types of drugs can cause or worsen your insomnia:
* Antidepressants
* Antihypertensives
* Antiarrhythmics
* Antibiotics
* Antihistamines
* Antivirals
* Bronchodilators
* Central nervous system stimulants
* Corticosteroids
* Decongestants
* Diuretics
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Insomnia is more common in people over age 60 and especially in women over 40. It’s estimated that up to one third of the population suffers from some type of insomnia.
Types of Insomnia
Insomnia presents itself in a variety of different ways… once-in-a-while insomnia, chronic insomnia, insomnia that keeps you from falling asleep, insomnia that wakes you up frequently during the night, insomnia that wakes you up too early, and insomnia that allows you to sleep, but poorly.
There are three main types of insomnia:
1. Transient Insomnia: This is short-term insomnia that typically lasts from a few nights to a few weeks. Transient insomnia may cause next-day sleepiness, mood changes, and performance impairment.
2. Intermittent Insomnia: This is when you have periods of transient insomnia that occur on and off over months or years. It can lead to chronic insomnia.
3. Chronic Insomnia: This is long term insomnia – difficulty sleeping for more than a month. Chronic insomnia is often related to more serious problems like depression, memory impairment, accidents, missed work, and increased visits to the doctor.
Self Help for Insomnia
* Open the bedroom windows if possible. Fresh air may help you sleep.
* Don’t read or watch TV in bed… reserve the bed for sleep so the mind begins to associate lying down with sleeping
* Keep a tight schedule going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
* Avoid daytime naps so you’re more tired at bedtime.
* Don’t eat heavy meals before going to bed. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
* Exercise, even 15 minutes a day, can help you relax and get a better sleep.
* Warm milk before bed really works because it causes a chemical reaction that increases serotonin in the brain, making you feel relaxed and calm.
If self help doesn’t improve your insomnia, it may be time to discuss sleep aids with your doctor.
You’ve likely seen the popular TV ad campaign for Rozerem… the insomnia guy who keeps late-night company with Abe Lincoln, a beaver, and other colorful characters from his dreams?
Insomnia is such a common problem (one in three adults report having some type of insomnia) that sleep aids such as Rozerem are more popular than ever.
In this article, we’ll look at the different types of insomnia, self help treatments you can try, and Rozerem as a sleep aid for the treatment of insomnia.
What Causes Insomnia
Insomnia happens when your sleep-wake cycle, or your internal clock, is disrupted. It can be caused by many factors: stress, illness, pain, jet lag, sleep apnea, excessive physical or emotional arousal, shift work, a sedentary lifestyle, worrying about sleep, depression, and other factors.
Certain types of drugs can cause or worsen your insomnia:
* Antidepressants
* Antihypertensives
* Antiarrhythmics
* Antibiotics
* Antihistamines
* Antivirals
* Bronchodilators
* Central nervous system stimulants
* Corticosteroids
* Decongestants
* Diuretics
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Insomnia is more common in people over age 60 and especially in women over 40. It’s estimated that up to one third of the population suffers from some type of insomnia.
Types of Insomnia
Insomnia presents itself in a variety of different ways… once-in-a-while insomnia, chronic insomnia, insomnia that keeps you from falling asleep, insomnia that wakes you up frequently during the night, insomnia that wakes you up too early, and insomnia that allows you to sleep, but poorly.
There are three main types of insomnia:
1. Transient Insomnia: This is short-term insomnia that typically lasts from a few nights to a few weeks. Transient insomnia may cause next-day sleepiness, mood changes, and performance impairment.
2. Intermittent Insomnia: This is when you have periods of transient insomnia that occur on and off over months or years. It can lead to chronic insomnia.
3. Chronic Insomnia: This is long term insomnia – difficulty sleeping for more than a month. Chronic insomnia is often related to more serious problems like depression, memory impairment, accidents, missed work, and increased visits to the doctor.
Self Help for Insomnia
* Open the bedroom windows if possible. Fresh air may help you sleep.
* Don’t read or watch TV in bed… reserve the bed for sleep so the mind begins to associate lying down with sleeping
* Keep a tight schedule going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
* Avoid daytime naps so you’re more tired at bedtime.
* Don’t eat heavy meals before going to bed. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
* Exercise, even 15 minutes a day, can help you relax and get a better sleep.
* Warm milk before bed really works because it causes a chemical reaction that increases serotonin in the brain, making you feel relaxed and calm.
If self help doesn’t improve your insomnia, it may be time to discuss sleep aids with your doctor.
Insomnia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
May 10, 2011 by admin
Filed under Alternative Medicine
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.
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.
Facts About Insomnia, Causes, Cures and Tips
Andrew P Jones asked:
What is Insomnia? The Insomnia sleep disorder, also known as Wakefulness or Dysomnia, is an inability to sleep, or disturbed sleep preventing you from getting a proper night’s rest.
The main effect of insomnia is that you may feel constantly tired and irritable, with poor concentration and coordination.
There are two main types of Insomnia:
Primary Insomnia has no underlying medical cause for the difficulty in sleeping.
Secondary Insomnia has an underlying medical cause triggering disturbed sleep: any condition causing pain, discomfort, or directly causing mental disturbance or anxiety, or specific conditions such as Sleep Apnea or Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you suspect an underlying medical or mental condition seek medical advice.
Behavioral therapy to encourage sleep can be used in both cases, though for Secondary Insomnia you should liaise with your doctor if receiving treatment for an underlying cause.
A period of insomnia can vary from transient (a few nights) to short term (up to 3 weeks) to chronic, long term insomnia (over 3 weeks)
Transient or Short Term Insomnia can be caused by traumatic events such as acute illness, injury or surgery, bereavement, job loss or less serious events such as trouble at work, an exam, extreme weather change, traveling (including jet lag)
Statistics about Insomnia causes: 50% Psychological, 40% Behavioral: sleep environment (30%) stimulants or medication (10%), 10% Physical (pain, illness etc.)
30-40% of people report insomnia each year; 10-15% of people reporting insomnia say they have chronic insomnia.
The amount of sleep needed by people varies: Babies need about 17 hours sleep a day, a child nine to ten hours per night, and an adult seven to eight hours each night, though that typically decreases as you get older.
Chronic Child Insomnia can have even more serious effects than with adults. Getting enough sleep is much more important for young children than for fully grown adults, as a childhood growth demands a healthy sleep cycle.
Don’t send a child to bed as a punishment as this may lead to insomnia due to a fear of being sent to bed. Consider using a bedroom only for sleep, not play.
Never give a child sleeping medicine without proper medical consultation. Sleeping pills may seem to provide instant, even amazing insomnia relief compared to behavioral therapies, but their results are short term and they often have other side effects.
Adults do not all need eight hours every night! Some people manage on as little as four hours sleep a night. If you don’t need much sleep then get up early – spending too long in bed can help trigger insomnia.
People can also mistake the amount of sleep they are actually getting, because they tend to remember waking up as a longer period than it actually was.
After failing to sleep for a few nights, you may become anxious that you won’t sleep causing Fear or Anxiety Insomnia. A major step towards anxiety insomnia treatment can be to accept that you can cope with its effects, thus reducing the fear of not sleeping. You would then build upon this with behavioral therapy.
Three main areas where you can encourage sleep are:
Sleep Environment – a comfortable bed, a bedroom that is quiet, dark and the right temperature
Sleep Discipline – use your bed for sleeping (and sex) only, watch TV etc. elsewhere
Sleep Conditioning – creating a routine, going to bed and getting up at the same time
The results of behavioral therapy may take effect slowly but are long term – the creation of good habits which make you less prone to insomnia.
Sleep can be disrupted even by normal foods and behaviors: e.g. don’t consume coffee after 1pm – try decaffeinated coffee instead. Avoid consuming alcohol within two hours of going to bed, although it may make you drowsy initially it can inhibit sleep when you wake up in the middle of the night.
A warm drink, dairy, soy products, eggs, rice and grains aid relaxation; foods such as bread or crackers which are high in carbohydrate can reduce anxiety, thus aiding sleep. Do not eat sugary or spicy food or drink near bedtime.
Stress or a mind too active or anxious will hinder the relaxation necessary before sleep comes.
Regular physical exercise helps control stress physically and psychologically by breaking up the day after work to distance you from work problems. Early evening is the best time for exercise if you want to use it to help get to sleep.
A warm bath can help relaxation – but don’t stay there too long or have the water too hot.
Try meditation or other relaxation techniques. Continuous practice will help you do them more effectively, so practice during the day to reduce stress, then even when you are tired it’ll work better. If you are lying awake anyway, why not just do the relaxation exercises for fun!
What is Insomnia? The Insomnia sleep disorder, also known as Wakefulness or Dysomnia, is an inability to sleep, or disturbed sleep preventing you from getting a proper night’s rest.
The main effect of insomnia is that you may feel constantly tired and irritable, with poor concentration and coordination.
There are two main types of Insomnia:
Primary Insomnia has no underlying medical cause for the difficulty in sleeping.
Secondary Insomnia has an underlying medical cause triggering disturbed sleep: any condition causing pain, discomfort, or directly causing mental disturbance or anxiety, or specific conditions such as Sleep Apnea or Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you suspect an underlying medical or mental condition seek medical advice.
Behavioral therapy to encourage sleep can be used in both cases, though for Secondary Insomnia you should liaise with your doctor if receiving treatment for an underlying cause.
A period of insomnia can vary from transient (a few nights) to short term (up to 3 weeks) to chronic, long term insomnia (over 3 weeks)
Transient or Short Term Insomnia can be caused by traumatic events such as acute illness, injury or surgery, bereavement, job loss or less serious events such as trouble at work, an exam, extreme weather change, traveling (including jet lag)
Statistics about Insomnia causes: 50% Psychological, 40% Behavioral: sleep environment (30%) stimulants or medication (10%), 10% Physical (pain, illness etc.)
30-40% of people report insomnia each year; 10-15% of people reporting insomnia say they have chronic insomnia.
The amount of sleep needed by people varies: Babies need about 17 hours sleep a day, a child nine to ten hours per night, and an adult seven to eight hours each night, though that typically decreases as you get older.
Chronic Child Insomnia can have even more serious effects than with adults. Getting enough sleep is much more important for young children than for fully grown adults, as a childhood growth demands a healthy sleep cycle.
Don’t send a child to bed as a punishment as this may lead to insomnia due to a fear of being sent to bed. Consider using a bedroom only for sleep, not play.
Never give a child sleeping medicine without proper medical consultation. Sleeping pills may seem to provide instant, even amazing insomnia relief compared to behavioral therapies, but their results are short term and they often have other side effects.
Adults do not all need eight hours every night! Some people manage on as little as four hours sleep a night. If you don’t need much sleep then get up early – spending too long in bed can help trigger insomnia.
People can also mistake the amount of sleep they are actually getting, because they tend to remember waking up as a longer period than it actually was.
After failing to sleep for a few nights, you may become anxious that you won’t sleep causing Fear or Anxiety Insomnia. A major step towards anxiety insomnia treatment can be to accept that you can cope with its effects, thus reducing the fear of not sleeping. You would then build upon this with behavioral therapy.
Three main areas where you can encourage sleep are:
Sleep Environment – a comfortable bed, a bedroom that is quiet, dark and the right temperature
Sleep Discipline – use your bed for sleeping (and sex) only, watch TV etc. elsewhere
Sleep Conditioning – creating a routine, going to bed and getting up at the same time
The results of behavioral therapy may take effect slowly but are long term – the creation of good habits which make you less prone to insomnia.
Sleep can be disrupted even by normal foods and behaviors: e.g. don’t consume coffee after 1pm – try decaffeinated coffee instead. Avoid consuming alcohol within two hours of going to bed, although it may make you drowsy initially it can inhibit sleep when you wake up in the middle of the night.
A warm drink, dairy, soy products, eggs, rice and grains aid relaxation; foods such as bread or crackers which are high in carbohydrate can reduce anxiety, thus aiding sleep. Do not eat sugary or spicy food or drink near bedtime.
Stress or a mind too active or anxious will hinder the relaxation necessary before sleep comes.
Regular physical exercise helps control stress physically and psychologically by breaking up the day after work to distance you from work problems. Early evening is the best time for exercise if you want to use it to help get to sleep.
A warm bath can help relaxation – but don’t stay there too long or have the water too hot.
Try meditation or other relaxation techniques. Continuous practice will help you do them more effectively, so practice during the day to reduce stress, then even when you are tired it’ll work better. If you are lying awake anyway, why not just do the relaxation exercises for fun!
Insomnia Causes – the Warning Signs of Insomnia
May 10, 2011 by admin
Filed under Mental Health Problems
Kamran Chy asked:
Insomnia is a very irritable condition. Insomnia causes a lot of problem in a person’s life. And yet, a huge number of people are suffering from it. It gives a feeling of daytime fatigue and decreases productivity drastically. Since it affects productivity, it also affects the county economy. Therefore, it is extremely important to address this issue and find a solution to it as soon as possible. People with insomnia cannot go to sleep even if they are exhausted and when they finally do go to sleep they do not have a peaceful sleep and often the sleep leaves than more tired than before.
Common symptoms include frequent headaches, inability to concentrate, always feeling irritated, sleeping better when they are not at home, taking a long time to fall asleep after lying down in the bed, not feeling refreshed after sleep, disturbed sleep by waking every few intervals, inability to go back to sleep if woken for some reason earlier than they intended to wake up, only being able to sleep after taking sleeping pills.
The cause of insomnia could be a lot of things but primarily it is believed in the medical world that insomnia is caused by stress and hypertension. This is one of the reasons why such a huge number of people suffer from insomnia. The world today has become very stress filled. Everyone is work oriented and always running after deadlines and missed tasks.
There are several types of insomnia. One type of insomnia is called transient insomnia and it lasts for a few days. Another type of insomnia is called short-term insomnia and it last for maximum up to three weeks. The last type of insomnia is called chronic insomnia. This type of insomnia is characterized by the person having atleast three sleepless nights in a week for more than a month. Usually, it causes several consequences in his work.
It is therefore important to first identify if you have the symptoms of insomnia, which are actually very obvious and people suffering from insomnia usually do not have to go through a symptoms list as they already know from their sleepless nights that they suffer from insomnia. The next thing that has to be done is to identify which type of insomnia you have. Once this is done, you can seek professional help if it is the last category. If you are suffering from transient or short-term insomnia, you will be surprised to know that it can almost be eliminated if you remove stress from your life.
Insomnia is a very irritable condition. Insomnia causes a lot of problem in a person’s life. And yet, a huge number of people are suffering from it. It gives a feeling of daytime fatigue and decreases productivity drastically. Since it affects productivity, it also affects the county economy. Therefore, it is extremely important to address this issue and find a solution to it as soon as possible. People with insomnia cannot go to sleep even if they are exhausted and when they finally do go to sleep they do not have a peaceful sleep and often the sleep leaves than more tired than before.
Common symptoms include frequent headaches, inability to concentrate, always feeling irritated, sleeping better when they are not at home, taking a long time to fall asleep after lying down in the bed, not feeling refreshed after sleep, disturbed sleep by waking every few intervals, inability to go back to sleep if woken for some reason earlier than they intended to wake up, only being able to sleep after taking sleeping pills.
The cause of insomnia could be a lot of things but primarily it is believed in the medical world that insomnia is caused by stress and hypertension. This is one of the reasons why such a huge number of people suffer from insomnia. The world today has become very stress filled. Everyone is work oriented and always running after deadlines and missed tasks.
There are several types of insomnia. One type of insomnia is called transient insomnia and it lasts for a few days. Another type of insomnia is called short-term insomnia and it last for maximum up to three weeks. The last type of insomnia is called chronic insomnia. This type of insomnia is characterized by the person having atleast three sleepless nights in a week for more than a month. Usually, it causes several consequences in his work.
It is therefore important to first identify if you have the symptoms of insomnia, which are actually very obvious and people suffering from insomnia usually do not have to go through a symptoms list as they already know from their sleepless nights that they suffer from insomnia. The next thing that has to be done is to identify which type of insomnia you have. Once this is done, you can seek professional help if it is the last category. If you are suffering from transient or short-term insomnia, you will be surprised to know that it can almost be eliminated if you remove stress from your life.
