Insomnia Symptoms

By: Angie McAdams Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder and often a symptom of another more serious sleep disorder. Everyone at some point and time in their life has experienced trouble sleeping, but insomnia is classified as chronic difficulty in falling asleep, waking up during the night, difficulty getting back to sleep, or feeling tired when waking up. Insomnia affects all ages but is most commonly found in shift workers, travelers, elderly, adult students, and pregnant and menopausal women.

There are three types of insomnia: (1) transient insomnia which lasts less than one week; (2) short-term insomnia when a person is unable to consistently sleep well for a period of one to three weeks); and (3) chronic insomnia when a person is unable to sleep well for a period of longer than three weeks.

Causes of insomnia include life stresses (job loss or change, death or illness of a family member); illness; emotional and/or physical discomfort; environmental factors (noise, light, extreme temperature); medication; interferences in normal sleep schedule (jet lag or a change for an individual working swing shift); chronic stress; or depression and/or anxiety.

Each individual suffering from insomnia may have different experiences but common symptoms include: poor concentration; difficulty with memory, impaired motor coordination; irritability; impaired social interaction; sluggish; weak; and sometimes ill. These symptoms of insomnia affect the individual's emotional and physical well being. Individual's suffering from insomnia have problems dealing with relationships, handling stressful situation, and making well informed decisions. An individual that is suffering from insomnia and is driving a motor vehicle is has impaired reflexes similar to a drunk driver which can result in severe accidents.

Many insomnia suffers try to treat their symptoms by consuming alcohol or over the counter drugs and sleep aids which may actually add to the problem.

Mild cases of insomnia can be cured by good sleeping habits such as going to bed and getting up at the same times; avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day; regular exercise; making the bedroom comfortable; and practice a relaxing routine before going to bed.

Severe cases of insomnia require medical assistance though a specific test does not exist to diagnose insomnia. Doctors will perform medical tests to determine if the insomnia is the result of an underlying medical condition. If no medical condition exists, the doctor may suggest medical treatment for the insomnia. There are several medicines available to treat the insomnia; however, more often than not these medications come with side effects of their own.

Non-medication treatment methods for insomnia also exist. One technique is teaching the individual with insomnia to 'relearn' how to sleep. This relearning technique teaches the individual how to develop a regular sleep schedule; how to avoid stimulating drugs such as caffeine and nicotine; develop an exercise routine; avoid alcohol; minimize light and noise in the bedroom; maintain a comfortable temperature in the bedroom; and avoid heavy evening meals.

The doctor may also suggest to the individual suffering from insomnia undergo behavioral therapy which teaches the individual techniques such as relaxation exercise and sleep restriction therapy. Some individuals turn to alternative treatments such as meditation, herbal supplements, or aromatherapy to cure their insomnia.

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