Essential Information Regarding Insomnia

There are hundreds of sleep disorders from which an individual may suffer. Some people find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. There are also those who never develop healthy sleeping habits, although the reason for this is not known, and they subsequently find themselves in a continuous struggle to acquire enough rest. Insomnia and other sleep disorders resolve on their own for certain individuals; however, treatments such as medication and behavioral therapy are necessary for others.



Most doctors report that about 30 percent of adults have battled insomnia at least one time in their life. In addition, approximately 12 percent of the population suffers from a form of the condition that is chronic. Those afflicted with the disorder, whether it is classified as temporary or chronic, are usually unable to fall asleep initially and typically awaken before they should, as well as at multiple times during the night. The side effects associated with insomnia include daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression, headaches and anxiety.

Sleeping disorders can occur for no known cause, which is also referred to as idiopathic insomnia. The affliction may also be caused by underlying health conditions or from the side effects of certain drugs. For instance, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and antidepressants have the potential to cause sleeplessness.

Some insomniacs suffer from clinical depression and their inability to sleep is a symptom of their illness. Additionally, those with gastroesophageal conditions are often prone to insomnia. A doctor will usually recommend a treatment based on the underlying cause of the person's insomnia, if one can be identified.

If the condition is thought to be transient, behavioral therapy such as muscle relaxation and visualization may be prescribed. Doing breathing exercises and deliberately releasing muscle tension can help those with insomnia to fall asleep. Other treatments include sleeping pills such as Ambien, ramelteon or Lunesta.

Narcolepsy is another type of sleeping disorder that affects certain individuals. It is thought to be related to a malfunction of the person's nervous system, which causes him or her to fall asleep suddenly at inopportune moments. During an episode of narcolepsy, the person may also lose muscle tone or feel as if he or she is paralyzed. Additionally, in severe cases, the individual may experience hallucinations.

According to medical experts, night terrors are also classified as a nervous system disorder that results in sleeplessness. Those who suffer from this condition often wake up after a particularly troubling nightmare and typically remain awake for several hours afterwards. Night terrors usually strike between the hours of midnight and 3 AM, and are much more common in children than adults.

In order to determine the specific kind of condition from which one is suffering, sleeping studies are sometimes completed on the patient. This helps the physician to suggest the most appropriate therapy. However, some individuals have difficulty falling asleep in an environment with which they are unfamiliar, making the test impractical for certain people.

Most physicians, when initially evaluating an insomniac, will order certain tests to rule out underlying health conditions that may be at the root of the problem. This is why it is essential for those who are experiencing insomnia and other sleep disorders to seek the advice of a medical professional.