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| Insomnia |
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 Insomnia is the inability to get an adequate amount of sleep. The difficulty can be in falling asleep, remaining asleep, or both. Insomnia is a common disorder that affects millions of people. It can be caused by many different conditions, diseases, and circumstances.
Insomnia is a very common condition that probably affects most people at one time or another. However, it tends to occur more often in certain groups of people. For example, it is more common in women and older adults. People who are divorced, widowed, or separated seem to have the problem more often than those who are single or married.
Short-term, or transient, insomnia usually lasts no more than a few days. Long-term, or chronic, insomnia lasts for more than three weeks. Long-term insomnia is more of a problem. People who are deprived of sleep for extended periods of time are at risk to themselves and others. They are unable to concentrate normally while conducting daily activities. As a result, they are more likely to have accidents at work or while driving. They may also become moody and depressed. Chronic insomnia may also lead to immune disorders. The body's immune system fights off foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. When a person does not get enough sleep, his or her immune system does not function properly, leaving them open to infection and disease.
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Symptoms |
Some people with insomnia have trouble falling asleep. Others are able to fall asleep but wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble falling back asleep. Or they doze off but sleep very lightly. People with insomnia wake up in the morning tired and unrested. They continue to be exhausted throughout the day. These sleep patterns are common among the elderly and among those who are depressed (see depressive disorders entry).
Sometimes sleep patterns are reversed. For example, a person may find it difficult to stay awake during the day and may take many naps. Then, at night, they find it hard to go to sleep or to stay asleep.
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Causes |
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Transient insomnia is often caused by a temporary, upsetting incident in a person's life. For example, an argument with a loved one, a brief illness, or jet lag can cause the disorder. This form of insomnia usually does not require medical treatment. When the incident is resolved, a person's ability to sleep returns.
Chronic insomnia is caused by one or more of the following factors:
- A medical condition or a treatment for a medical condition
- Use of certain substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
- A psychiatric (mental) condition, such as depression or anxiety
- Stress, such as sadness caused by the loss of a loved one or a job
- Changes in one's sleep patterns, as when one's job shift has been changed
- Breathing problems, such as snoring
- Jerky leg movements that occur when a person is just falling asleep
- Nightmares or feelings of panic during sleep
Sometimes insomnia can be caused by the problem itself. That is, a person worries so much about falling asleep that he or she can't get to sleep. The more one worries about falling asleep, the harder it is to do.
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Home Remedies |
A cup of milk with honey. This is effective in curing insomnia.
Increase in the consumption of vitamin B foods such as wholegrain cereals, pulses, and nuts. These are effective in treating insomnia. Your bed should be comfortable. Always take care about your bed as your sleep is associated with your bed if your bed will not comfortable you can’t get comfortable and sound sleep.
If you have suggestions or know of a proven home remedy add it here in the comment area.
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| Herbal Remedies |
The most popular herb for insomnia is Valerian, It relaxes nerves and muscles, improves sleep quality and makes falling asleep easier. Great for insomnia cause by, mind activity, fear, fatigue, excitement.
In a cup of boiling water, add 1 tsp each of chamomile flowers, hops and valeria. Let it steep for 45. Thereafter, strain the drink and have it an hour before sleeping.
Chamomile Tea has mild sedative properties.
Passion Flower relaxes muscles, promotes sleep.
St. John's Wort prolongs deep sleep cycle.
Skullcap tincture promotes sleep.
Oat Straw Soothes and nourishes the nervous system.
If you have suggestions or know of a proven herbal remedy add it here in the comment area.
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| Wellness Program |
The best way to prevent insomnia is to develop a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balance of rest, recreation, and exercise. People should also learn how to manage stress in their lives. A healthy diet can also reduce the risk of insomnia.
Do regular exercise or partake in some physical activities everyday. This would /solve the problem of insomnia. Walking, jogging, skipping and swimming are the good exercises for treating insomnia.
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