Insomnia
WHAT IS IT?
The word “insomnia” refers to a sleeping disorder which is becoming quite
common in today’s generation. An individual experiencing insomnia is called an
“insomniac.” An insomniac experiences difficulty in going to sleep or even staying
asleep on a frequent basis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
states that an adult requires a minimum of 7-9 hours of sleep everyday, varying
with their age.
TYPES OF INSOMNIA
Insomnia can be divided into two categories based on duration. Acute, transient
insomnia is rather temporary when compared to chronic insomnia which might
last for months or even years. Medical health experts often classify it by cause into
primary insomnia and secondary insomnia. While primary insomnia is a problem
arising by itself, secondary insomnia stems from another underlying medical
health issue. On the other hand, types of insomnia can be broken down into groups
depending on their severity. Mild insomnia entails only lack of proper sleep which
results in fatigue. On the other hand, moderate insomnia may create difficulties in
daily functioning and severe insomnia has serious consequences in day to day life.

SYMPTOMS
Insomnia can be detected relatively easily. Some symptoms of insomnia except
interrupted sleep include tension headaches, intake of alcohol or medication to go
to sleep, lack of motivation or energy, tiredness or sleepiness during the day,
irritability, anxiety or even depression.
CAUSES
There are several possible causes of insomnia. This may include lack of proper
physical activity and exercise, nightmares, jet lag arising from various sources,
intake of recreational drugs such as ecstasy, discomfort due to unsuitable
temperature of room or uncomfortable beds and many more. However, the causes
of insomnia are not just limited to external factors. Conditions related to health
such as chronic pain, sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome might be responsible.
On the other hand, insomnia may stem from mental health issues or stress which
more specifically, include anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or even
schizophrenia.

TIPS TO REDUCE INSOMNIA
There are several home remedies, implementations of which may reduce insomnia.
Some tips to help combat insomnia are avoidance of small naps, restricting
caffeine or alcohol intake and completely avoiding nicotine, refraining from
consumption of large meals and beverages before bed, maintaining consistency in
sleeping schedule, staying active-engagement in physical activity and exercise.
TREATMENTS
Treatment for insomnia involves strategies such as light therapy, stimulus control
therapy, implementation of techniques which may help one to relax or trying to
stay passively awake. On the other hand, a number of medications such as
Zaleplon, Zopiclone, Ramelteon and Zolpidem are approved for long-term use.
