Insomnia

Today I would like to talk about insomnia. What is Insomnia? What are the different types of insomnia? What causes insomnia? And how to deal with insomnia?

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is being unable to sleep for various reasons whether it be mentally or physically and for a certain amount of time.

Different Types of Insomnia

Chronic Insomnia – Being unable to sleep for a long amount of time and usually is unable to be cured. This is where you can go months without sleep or you are able to sleep but wake up constantly every night and forced to wake up earlier than you should and unable to fall back asleep.

Acute Insomnia– Much like Chronic insomnia, however, it doesnt have an ongoing effect. Acute insomnia can start up once a month for a full week (Kind of like a period, sorry not trying to be inappropriate) and then after that week your able to sleep normally again or you get it once a week, or twice a week, it just isnt an every single day thing like Chronic Insomnia.

Sleep Apnea– Being unable to sleep due to the shortage of breath in your sleep. When you fall asleep you will have difficulties breathing in your sleep (This is also a reason for certain snoring habits).

Restless Leg Syndrome– When you are finally able to relax and prepare for a good nights rest your leg disagrees and feels pain/uncomfortable and you are constantly having to fix it before sleeping, this can even wake you up making it impossible to go back to bed till youve gotten it in a comfortable position.

Causes of Different Types of Insomnia

Chronic/Acute Insomnia – Mental disorders, such as Depression, Bipolar, Psychotic, and Anxiety, Play a huge role with this; however Mental disorders arent always the case, you may also be experiencing this because of jet lag or a shift in diet or a shift in menstruation.

Sleep Apnea – This is a more physical problem, that can start from birth where something is blocking your airway causing you to be short of breath

Restless Leg Syndrome – Doctors arent too sure what the cause of RLS is but it could have a lot to do with the medication you may be on or a family history with it.

Dealing with Insomnia

Chronic/Acute – Before jumping to conclusions that you have a Mental Disorder, try a change in diet. Stop drinking so much caffeine, especially before bed, and have something healthier to eat. If a change in diet doesnt work after a month it is recommended to see a sleep doctor and see what they have to say about it.

Sleep Apnea – Depending on what may be blocking your airway your doctor may ask for you to wear a mask to help provide you with air while you sleep, and you may have to go through dental surgery in order to make room and open up your airway more.

Restless Leg Syndrome -You will need to consult with your doctor about this one and they may have you go through physical therapy, and prescribe you medication.

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