Chronic insomnia

Chronic insomnia is a sleep disorder, which affects the quality of life. Statistics show that one-third of Americans are facing the danger of chronic insomnia. Insomnia is generally classified into several categories, according to his period of occurrence for consistency. Of these, chronic insomnia is the most serious, lasting continuously for an extended period of time, say a month or more. It is clear that insomnia doesn't involve any lethal problem, however, affects the normal functioning of a person and results in reduced productivity.



Causes



According to the cause of the occurrence, chronic insomnia is classified into primary and secondary insomnia insomnia. Primary insomnia is caused by bad personal effects, whereas secondary insomnia is born as a side effect of external disturbances such as medicine, environmental reasons and psychiatric conditions.



The General causes for insomnia include poor hygiene of sleep, anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalance and circadian rhythm disorders. More often, chronic insomnia is not a disease but a symptom of physiological and psychological disorders more serious. People suffering from diseases like allergy, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux, cancer disease (GERD), rheumatologic complaints, neurodegenerative diseases, endocrine system diseases, kidney failures and restless leg syndrome are more likely to get affected by the disorder. Behavioral disorders such as excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol and drugs could also lead to insomnia. Due to biological specialties, elderly and women are more prone to the risk of chronic insomnia.



Effects of insomnia



Chronic insomnia affects a person's mental stability and weakens the immune system. Show symptoms such as dizziness, dilemma, anxiety, decreased concentration, lowering the ability of thinking and decision-making skills deteriorate. Chronic insomnia will increase the chances of accidents while driving and can lead to many serious clinical manifestations.



Symptoms



Troubles feature chronic insomnia in a deep sleep, sleep time, reduced frequent wake up sleep and symptoms of irritability and drowsiness day. A person must ask for the assistance of a doctor, if he experiences one of conditions such as lack of sleep even when tired, only light sleep during the night that fatigue results awakening and wake up very early.



Diagnosis



Doctor will diagnose the disease, with the help of some questionnaires such as the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Multiple Sleep latency test is a diagnostic tool to confirm chronic insomnia. A medical expert will focus on finding the underlying reason for chronic insomnia.



Treatment



Chronic insomnia is often a disease treatable. Early diagnosis and correct drug help for speedy recovery. Doctors suggest generally hypnotics for the treatment of insomnia. Common prescriptions for chronic insomnia include benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines and antihistamines. Behavioural therapies, as stimulus control, progressive muscle relaxation, paradoxical intention, biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral therapy and light therapy are recommended in some cases of chronic insomnia. The natural herbals such as Valerian root, Kava kava and melatonin are practised in alternative therapies such as remedies for chronic insomnia.



Remember, healthy sleep habits and proper lifestyle, including balanced diet and exercise, alleviates a normal person from the risk of chronic insomnia.