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The Facts About Sleep Insomnia

Monday, March 19th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Sleep insomnia describes the quality of sleep a person has. Often it is misunderstood that insomnia is the inability to fall asleep, however, that is merely a symptom. Sleep insomnia is a poor quality of sleep that is brought on by being unable to fall asleep or stay asleep. Sleep insomnia is diagnosed through these symptoms.

What Insomnia Is Not

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A person who has troubles falling asleep or staying asleep one time does not have sleep insomnia. Insomnia is a condition where sleep problems are reoccurring. A person with insomnia will always feel like they are not getting enough sleep.

Insomnia is not simply about being able to sleep, but rather about how a person feels upon waking. Normally a person should feel well rested and ready to tackle the day. A person with insomnia, however, will still feel tired, not as alert and possible run down.

What Causes Insomnia

There are many causes of insomnia. Sleep insomnia can be a naturally effect of aging, associated with depression, a side effect of medication or caused by stress. Insomnia is not caused by drinking too much caffeine nor is it a result of not allowing yourself to get enough sleep.

A person with insomnia likely wants to sleep and isn’t doing anything that would hinder their ability to sleep. They simply cannot get a good night’s sleep.

Some behaviors can trigger insomnia, as the mentioned drinking of too much caffeine, for example. Caffeine is a stimulant and therefore blocks the body’s ability to make a person tired. If a person naps throughout the day, they may have problems sleeping at night. Behaviors like these bring about self-induced sleep insomnia and are easy to avoid.

Who Is Most At Risk For Sleep Insomnia

Insomnia is often associated with age. The hormone our bodies produce that induces sleep slows production as we age which in turn can cause insomnia. In addition, females tend to be more prone to insomnia. This is also due to hormonal reasons. People who are depressed or on medications are also more prone to insomnia.

People with sleep insomnia are often treated with medications. If an underlying condition is found that it is causing the insomnia then that will be treated. Behavior changes and therapy may also be used to help insomnia patients. Insomnia is highly treatable, whatever the case, though. It is not necessary to suffer through the effects of insomnia.

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