Insomnia – causes, symptoms and treatments

Insomnia is commonly defined as difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. It can also be characterized as suffering with refreshing not sleep more than a month or more. We will discuss some of the causes, symptoms and treatments.



A type of insomnia called primary insomnia is not due to physical or mental conditions. It was found that insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, some related to brain health.



Some of the most common forms of the condition include the following:



• Alcohol related. Excessive drinking, often can affect the ability of a person to fall asleep or remain asleep.



• Anxiety-Stress and anxiety plays a key role in making it more difficult to achieve the normal sleep. Often we stay awake, because our bodies are stressed and anxiety.



• Coffee-the caffeine content in coffee may make it more difficult for a person to relax and ultimately fall asleep, of course.



• Stress-this is related to anxiety and puts the body into a greater sense that makes it much more difficult to relax and ultimately fall asleep.



Another key type of insomnia is called secondary insomnia. It is typically caused by a medical condition such as depression. Patients who suffer from insomnia, which is caused by depression often seek medical attention due to insomnia, rather than depression.



The most common symptoms of insomnia may include:



• Difficulty falling asleep most evenings.



• Feeling tired or run down during the day, mainly due to lack of sleep the night before.



• A feeling of not being refreshed or energized when you wake up.



• Waking up several times during the evening after you fall asleep.



Many people who suffer from insomnia tend to focus on their difficulty in falling asleep. This helps to make the problem even worse.



There are a number of popular treatments for insomnia. They normally involve better sleep hygiene that includes:



• Avoid caffeine, nicotine or alcohol before bedtime



• Avoid taking NAPs during the day



• Avoid large meals near bedtime. Instead of sticking with regular meals throughout the day



• Exercise at least an hour before retiring for the evening



Most medical professionals try to use techniques to avoid the use of drugs. In many cases by following some of these simple tips will have good results and help you get the sleep that your body requires.



Research has also shown how cognitive skills training can help with insomnia so you might want to try brain fitness and see what suits you.