Insomnia: The Sleep Menace

There are approximately 60 million Americans who suffer from sleep disorders. Of that number, about 20 million experience occasional sleep problems. We cannot deny the fact that night time sleep is different from daytime sleep. The former is needed by our body for good health. Even if you sleep the same number of hours during the day, sleeping at night brings about a more invigorating feeling that baffles scientists and medical practitioners.

There are a variety of sleep disorders but the most common is insomnia. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep. A lot of people suffer from this disorder. The lack of night time sleep causes a general feeling of tiredness. Sufferers also experience difficulty in concentrating on a given activity, thus having adverse affects in the accomplishments of daily tasks. There are a lot of causes that keeps an insomniac from falling asleep. Having a hyperactive mind, stress, extreme feelings of happiness or sadness, a medical condition, and excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol all contribute to a state of wakefulness. This is generally harmful to ones well being because it has been proven to cause harm to the immune system. Factors that cause insomnia may be categorized into three namely, predisposition, precipitation and perpetual. Predisposition factors are innate physical and mental state of a person making him a prone to insomnia. Precipitation factors are caused by changes in a persons usual habits or environment such as changing work shift from night time to day. Perpetual factors are behavioral patterns and substance abuse. Not having a regular sleeping schedule and excessive intake of substances such as drugs, caffeine or alcohol, causes insomnia. Sleeping pills may be prescribed but will only give temporary relief to an insomniac. Sleeping pills are not recommended for cases of chronic insomnia.

There are a variety of ways in treating insomnia. Others opt for the natural or alternative method while some will still go for the tried and tested doctor prescribed medications. Whatever treatment chosen, it still goes back to maintaining and adhering to a sleeping schedule. Good sleeping habits should be developed and to help achieve a state of relaxation, avoid taking in substances that will perk you up like caffeine and alcohol. A specific area should be maintained devoid of noise to induce one to sleep. It is also wise to consult a doctor or psychologist in order to maintain physical as well as mental well being.

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