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Insomnia – Sleep disappears and keeps your brain awake at night

When you have insomnia, you’re never really asleep,
and you’re never really awake

Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder that affects many people worldwide. It is characterized by having trouble falling or staying asleep, resulting in feeling tired and unrefreshed during the day.

Insomnia Symptoms

The following are common symptoms of insomnia:

  • Problems falling asleep
  • Fatigue
  • Irritation
  • Difficulty in concentrating on anything
  • Drowsiness during the daytime
  • Dependency on sleeping pills
  • Waking up at midnight and then having difficulty getting back to sleep

Types of Insomnia

There are four types of insomnia:

  • Primary insomnia: This type of insomnia is not related to any medical condition or health issue.
  • Secondary insomnia: This type of insomnia is caused by an underlying medical condition such as asthma, depression, or arthritis.
  • Acute insomnia: This type of insomnia is short-term and may last for a couple of days or weeks.
  • Chronic insomnia: This type of insomnia is long-term and may last for a month or more.

Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia can be caused by various factors, such as:

  • Medical conditions, including arthritis, nasal allergies, Parkinson’s disease, back pain, and body pain.
  • Emotional stress and disturbances during sleep.
  • Sickness, anxiety, and mental disorders.
  • Certain medications used to treat cancer and allergies.

Habits to Overcome Insomnia

The following are some habits that can help overcome insomnia:

  • Sleep and wake up at the proper time.
  • Exercise regularly for at least 3-4 hours before sleeping.
  • Have a light dinner before going to sleep.
  • Make sure your bedroom is warm and cozy.

Poor Habits That Affect our Sleep Cycle

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for our health and well-being, but there are many habits that can affect the quality and duration of our sleep. Here are some of the most common poor habits that cause sleep problems:

Using electronic devices before bed

Using smartphones, laptops, and tablets can interfere with our body’s natural sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Consuming caffeine late in the day

Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep us awake and alert, making it harder to fall asleep at night. It’s best to avoid consuming caffeine after midday, especially if you have trouble sleeping.

Eating heavy meals before bed

Eating a heavy meal before bed can cause indigestion and discomfort, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Drinking alcohol

Although alcohol can make us feel drowsy and relaxed, it can disrupt our sleep cycle and cause us to wake up frequently at night.

Not sticking to a sleep schedule

Going to bed and waking up at different times each day can disrupt our body’s natural sleep cycle and make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Is Insomnia Even More Prevalent Nowadays?

Approximately 30% of adults in the United States suffer from insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia.

However, there is no clear evidence that insomnia is more prevalent today than it was in the past. Still, several factors suggest that insomnia may be more common today than in previous years.

One of the significant factors that contribute to insomnia is technology. The widespread use of smartphones, computers, and tablets before bedtime can interfere with sleep patterns. The blue light radiated by these devices suppresses melatonin production, a hormone that controls sleep.

Another factor is the increasing levels of stress and anxiety experienced by people today. Modern society’s fast-paced, demanding lifestyle can lead to chronic stress, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep at night.

Insomnia FAQs

Is Insomnia a severe condition? ︿

Insomnia can negatively affect a person’s physical and mental health if left untreated. It can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and an increased chance of accidents and injuries. Chronic insomnia has also been linked to a higher risk of acquiring certain health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease.

Is Insomnia genetic?

Does Insomnia go away?

How is Insomnia diagnosed?

How long does Insomnia typically last?

When should I seek medical help for Insomnia?

Can medications cause Insomnia?

Can Insomnia Cause Other Mental Health Conditions?

Can Insomnia be prevented?

What is Chronic Insomnia?

What are the potential side effects of Insomnia medications?

Can Insomnia cause other sleep disorders?

Can Insomnia be cured?

Best doctors to get over insomnia and sleep disorders

Dr. Joann Mundin, MD Psychiatrist

Dr. Joann Mundin, MD
Psychiatrist

Language: English

Location: Zoom - Telepsych appointment

Years in Practice: 21+
NP Shebna N Osanmoh I, PMHNP Psychiatrist

NP Shebna N Osanmoh I, PMHNP
Psychiatrist

Language: English

Location: Zoom - Telepsych appointment

Years in Practice: 14+
Dr. Barbara Huynh, DO Psychiatrist

Dr. Barbara Huynh, DO
Psychiatrist

Language: English

Location: Zoom - Telepsych appointment

Years in Practice: 14+
Dr. Bessy Martirosyan, MD Psychiatrist

Dr. Bessy Martirosyan, MD
Psychiatrist

Language: English

Location: Zoom - Telepsych appointment

Years in Practice: 21+