Are you having trouble sleeping at night, either falling asleep or staying asleep? While many issues can cause sleep problems, insomnia can be a concern. You may begin wondering if you have insomnia if you are having trouble falling asleep at night or staying asleep once you have drifted off into dreamland—several symptoms associated with insomnia help to determine a diagnosis, such as anxiety and irritability. Below, learn more about insomnia, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Insomnia is a condition where individuals suffer from a lack of sleep in quantity or quality. There are three types of insomnia; transient, acute, and chronic. With transient, individuals will have symptoms that last up to three nights. Acute insomnia affects the individual in the short term, with signs taking place for a few weeks. The chronic form of insomnia affects individuals for months and even years.
Causes of Insomnia
Several causes can lead to insomnia, as physical and psychological aspects play a role. Commonly, insomnia can be triggered by disruptions in your sleep, such as jet lob, a shift change without your job, environmental noise, etc. Psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc., can lead to insomnia. Medical conditions, hormones, and other factors, such as a snoring partner, can lead to insomnia.
Symptoms
The symptoms of insomnia can indicate which type you have. By being diagnosed, treatment can be determined. The following are common symptoms found in insomnia patients:
These are just a few symptoms that individuals with insomnia will have. Once a physician has determined if you have insomnia, treatment can occur. There are various treatment options on offer, as every patient is different. Some patients respond well to relaxation techniques such as meditation. In contrast, others will respond to cognitive therapy or improve sleep hygiene by adding exercise and creating a regular sleep schedule.
Alternative methods can also be used. Soundbed therapy is one option to consider. With soundbed therapy, the patient is placed into a deep state of relaxation, helping to relieve the harmful components of stress. This treatment has been known to assist with insomnia, tension headaches, anxiety, and more.
Trying various treatments will help you find the right option for your sleep needs, helping you rest better and avoid the aftereffects of not sleeping soundly.