Some Facts about Insomnia

Based on statistics, greater than one third of the population in the United States has insomnia. Insomnia is the most common and most prevalent sleeping disorder. In determining the type of insomnia present, the onset insomnia is identified as well as the source for the development of the condition. Speaking in terms of the onset of insomnia, there are three types. Transient insomnia would occur for some days, while short term insomnia would usually exist for a couple of weeks, and chronic insomnia is identified when insomnia is present for more than three weeks. If the source of insomnia would be identified, two types would be considered and these are primary and secondary insomnia.

Of all the classifications based on the onset or duration, the most common would be transient insomnia. Most people are experiencing insomnia for a couple of days and would usually return to normal after some time. Causes of transient insomnia may vary from stress or work related issues such as shifting of schedules. Usually, transient insomnia can also be caused by jet lag due to traveling. This type of insomnia would disappear after sometime without receiving any treatments whatsoever. Stress can also cause short term insomnia. Such causes would also be the same for transient insomnia but it just happened for a few more days than that of transient insomnia. However, if short term insomnia is left untreated, it could lead to chronic insomnia.

Primary insomnia may have unknown root causes and at some cases, it may even occur as early as infancy. High metabolic rates are usually associated with insomnia, as well as a hyperactive nervous system.

When the insomnia is said to be secondary, it is mainly due to the fact that it occurred because of a disease. Most of the time, causes would include intake of prescription medications, alcohol, drug abuse, and some illnesses. Secondary insomnia can only be treated if the primary cause of the insomnia is resolved. A good example would be patients who developed insomnia due to arthritis. If joint pains in arthritis are resolved, then insomnia may subside.

Insomnia is never generalized as a single disorder. In reality, insomnia is a symptom of many sleeping disorders. Three qualifications need to be present before classifying and diagnosing insomnia. First of all, the person should have difficulties in falling asleep or in keeping asleep for the rest of the night. Secondly, the person with insomnia should find it difficult to sleep even when the surrounding are conducive for sleeping. Finally, the sleep problem at night has a great impact in the performance of daily activities during the day. Such impact would include concentration difficulties, body ache or pains, low energy levels, mood swings or changes in mood, easy fatigability, and too much worrying about not getting enough sleep.

Prescription medications like sleeping pills can be helpful in treating insomnia. However, there are also available over the counter sleeping pills that can be taken to relieve insomnia.

Other alternative methods may also be done to relieve insomnia. Examples of these alternative methods would include breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, sleep hygiene, reconditioning sleep restriction, biofeedback, visualization, cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy. Relieving from insomnia can be done with various alternative methods.

As for others who are experiencing insomnia, various treatment methods are being utilized. People would resort to herbal supplements to relieve their problems of insomnia. However, some of these herbal supplements do not have enough claims and is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Aside from herbal supplements, acupuncture and stress relieving hot baths or passive body heating is also done.

The best way to understand insomnia is to have a good background of the disorder itself. Through it, you will be able to know when to seek medical help.