Insomnia
Description
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is considered a public health concern. It’s characterized by having difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep which is associated with daytime functioning impairment. Insomnia may be a short-term condition that lasts for days or weeks or it may be chronic and lasts for more than three months. It’s a common condition that affects 10-15% of people, with higher rates seen among women.
Symptoms
- Difficulty in falling asleep
- Waking up in the middle of the night and having difficulty getting back to sleep
- Waking up too early in the morning before the desired time
- Waking up tired in the morning
- Decreased work productivity
- Proneness to errors and accidents
- Inability to concentrate
- Frequent daytime naps
Visit a Neurologist or Psychiatrist to be diagnosed and treated properly, If you or one of your family have any of these symptoms
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View MoreCauses
Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the occurrence of this condition. Many factors may contribute to or increase the risk of the development of insomnia such as :
- Old age
- Being a woman
- Psychosocial factors (ex: stress of work, shift work, loss of a beloved one, divorce, domestic abuse)
- Developmental issues in children (ex: hyperactive behavior, separation anxiety)
- Personality traits (ex: excessive worrying, repressed personality, perfectionism)
- The presence of other psychiatric disorders (ex: Depression, mood, and anxiety disorders)
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Excessive caffeine intake
- Excessive smoking
Diagnostics
Diagnosis depends on the symptoms and medical history in addition to other diagnostic tools such as :
- Questionnaires : A self-reported questionnaire may be helpful to evaluate the quality of sleep.
- Sleep diaries : Daily recording of sleep-related information is useful to evaluate sleep disturbances.
- Actigraphy : Using a small electronic device to monitor the sleep parameters and motor activity during sleep and wakefulness.
Treatment
Non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic methods are used to treat insomnia.
Non-pharmacological :
Lifestyle modifications :
- Limiting daytime naps
- Avoiding late dinner
- Restricting the use of electronics such as smartphones during bedtime
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine intake in the evening
- Restricting smoking in the evening
- Keeping a regular sleep schedule
- Avoiding eating or reading in bed and using the bed only when there’s a desire to sleep
- Doing exercise
- Healthy diet
- Regular practice of breathing exercises
Sleep restriction therapy : Reducing sleeping hours may improve sleep drive and result in consolidated sleep.
Cognitive behavioral therapy : A type of psychotherapy that teaches the patients how to deal with negative thoughts that interferes with sleep.
Medications :
Some medications are useful in treating this condition such as :
- Sedatives: Clonazepam, Zolpidem tartrate, Zaleplon.
- Herbal supplements: Melatonin.
- Antidepressants: Trazodone, Mirtazapine.
