Insomnia

Have you ever had any problems falling asleep? Insomnia can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. An individual typically needs 7 to 9 hours a night to wake up and feel good. Insomnia can drain your energy levels.

Some symptoms of insomnia not mentioned above are: feeling tired throughout the day, being a little moody, anxious or depressed. Also, your ability to focus could be decreased.

There is short term insomnia that lasts for days or weeks. Possibly from stress or a distressing event. There is also chronic insomnia that lasts for more than 3 months, and if you are having a hard time doing daily activities. Seek out your doctor’s advisement and he/she may suggest   going to a sleep center for special testing. Some common causes of long-term insomnia include: Stress of course! An example of this would be concerns about work, health, money, death,     divorce, etc. Your travel or work schedule; Your body’s internal clock also known as circadian rhythms, guides things such as your sleep-wake   cycle, metabolism and body temperature.   Disrupting these rhythms can lead to insomnia. You may have poor sleep habits including going to bed and waking up at a different time each day. A person could be eating too much late in the evening where it could cause you to feel uncomfortable while lying down and some people have chronic heart burn issues. Some medications can interfere with sleep such as certain      antidepressants and blood pressure or asthma medications. Sleep apnea may disrupt your sleep along with restless leg syndrome. Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol could be a culprit too.

Insomnia becomes more common with age. Your sleep patterns change. An older individual may be less physically or socially active, and could have changes in one’s health. They also take more medicine than younger people do.

Good sleep habits like these can help prevent insomnia: Keep the time you go to bed and the time you wake up the same day every day, including weekends. Stay active as regular activity can lead to a good night’s sleep. Limit naps or do not nap at all. Limit or do not use caffeine,   alcohol and nicotine. Do not eat large meals or drink a lot of liquids before bedtime. Make your bedroom comfortable for sleeping. Try and create a bedtime ritual, such as taking a nice warm shower, reading, or listening to soft music.

Have a happy day!