Understanding Insomnia

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Individuals with insomnia often wake up feeling tired and unrefreshed, leading to daytime drowsiness and reduced functioning.

Types of Insomnia

There are two main types of insomnia:

• Acute Insomnia: Short-term sleep disruption often caused by stress or environmental factors.
• Chronic Insomnia: Persistent sleep problems that last for at least three nights a week for three months or more.

What Causes Insomnia?

Insomnia can have various underlying causes, including:

1. Psychological Factors:

Stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders can contribute to insomnia. Racing thoughts and emotional turmoil can disrupt sleep patterns and make it challenging to fall asleep.

2. Lifestyle Choices:

Unhealthy habits such as irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine consumption, lack of physical activity, and poor sleep environment can all contribute to insomnia.

3. Medical Conditions:

Underlying medical issues such as asthma, arthritis, acid reflux, and hormonal imbalances can interfere with sleep and lead to insomnia.

4. Medications:

Certain prescription medications, including antidepressants, corticosteroids, and medications for high blood pressure, can disrupt normal sleep patterns and cause insomnia as a side effect.

5. Environmental Factors:

Noise, light, temperature, and other environmental factors can impact sleep quality and contribute to insomnia. Creating a dark, quiet, and comfortable sleep environment is essential for promoting restful sleep.