INSOMNIA

Insomnia

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. People with insomnia may struggle to fall asleep at the beginning of the night, or they may wake up in the middle of the night and be unable to fall back asleep. Individuals with insomnia may experience one or both of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty falling asleep after going to bed or taking a long time to fall asleep.
• Falling asleep initially but waking up in the middle of the night and being unable to go back to sleep.

What Causes Insomnia?

The causes of insomnia can be divided into two main categories:

1. Psychological and Psychiatric Causes: Including stress, anxiety, and mental health disorders.
2. Physical Causes: Common examples include:
   • Obstructive Sleep Apnea
   • Limb movements during sleep that disrupt sleep
   • Physical pain, such as joint pain or muscle pain

What Conditions Can Lead to Insomnia?

Several factors can contribute to insomnia, including:

• Stimulants like tea or coffee
• Decreased levels of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, which naturally declines with age
• Exposure to light in the evening, such as from television or mobile phones before bed
• Irregular sleep schedules
• Exercising close to bedtime
• An unsuitable sleeping environment, such as a room that is too bright, too hot, or too cold

When Should You See a Doctor?

Insomnia is common and can occur in anyone due to stress, anxiety, a change in sleeping environment, or altered sleep schedules. Typically, this type of insomnia is temporary, lasting for a few days or weeks, and resolves on its own once the triggers are removed. However, you should consult a sleep specialist if you experience persistent insomnia for more than a month despite following good sleep hygiene practices. Additionally, if the issue is severe, such as experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness that leads to napping or dozing off while driving, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.