Insomnia Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

October 20, 2008 · Filed Under Health Related Article · Comment 

40% adults are suffering from insomnia as per the National Center for Sleep Disorders. Chronic sleep deprivation leads to a lowered immune system, irritability, lack of concentration and daytime sleepiness. People with insomnia often suffer from diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and memory loss.

4 types of sleeping disorders

(1) Breathing interruptions during sleep is called sleep apnea

(2) Difficulty in falling asleep or Insomnia

(3) Narcolepsy - sleep attacks during the day

(4) A tingling or prickly sensation in the legs called restless legs syndrome

Insomnia symptoms are

  • Trouble in falling asleep at night
  • Disturbed sleep like waking up repeatedly during the night, and not able to go back to sleep again
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Feeling tired in the morning after waking up
  • Feeling sleepiness during the working hour
  • Psychological problems like irritation, memory loss and lack of concentration.

Insomnia causes

Psychological (like anxiety), physical (arthritis pain, cough or any other physical discomforts), and temporary events (environmental aspects like noise, light, or extreme temperatures) are the three main causes for insomnia.

Insomnia Treatment

There are many treatments for sleep disorders. If you are facing sleep disturbances for few days, you can improve the condition just by having regular sleep habits, lifestyle change, exercise etc.

If the problem continues, it is always best to ask a doctor for a proper diagnosis to identify the cause of trouble sleep.

You should take medical treatment if sleep disorders cause problems in carrying out daily activities. The main reason is most of the drugs create a dependency in the long run.

You can also try self-help and other non-medicinal insomnia treatments like improved sleep habits, sleep hygiene, stress management and relaxation techniques and other natural sleep aids.

Disclaimer : Please consider this article only for general information. You should consult your doctor before taking action.

 

 

Trazodone, the medication that help people with insomnia

October 2, 2008 · Filed Under Health Related Article · Comment 

In some cases of insomnia, Trazodone is prescribed by your doctor.  Especially if your insomnia is caused by chronic pain or if you have restless leg syndrome.

There are over 100 different types of sleep disorders. Insomnia is the most commonly reported one.

Insomnia may mean you have a hard time going to sleep or that you have a hard time staying asleep. Usually, you will know if you are experiencing insomnia because you will remember tossing and turning or being awake at night

Restless Legs Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable, tingly, or creeping sensations in your legs, which create an uncontrollable urge to keep them moving. RLS is not necessarily confined to your sleep time.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by an inability to sleep and/or inability to remain asleep for a reasonable period. Insomniacs typically complain of being unable to close their eyes or “rest their mind” for more than a few minutes at a time.
Insomnia can be caused by fear, stress, anxiety, medications, herbs, caffeine, depression, or other mental conditions and sometimes occurs for no apparent reason. An overactive mind or physical pain may also be causes. Finding the underlying cause of insomnia is usually necessary to cure it.

The most commonly-used class of drugs prescribed for insomnia. Includes drugs such as temazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, and midazolam.

Includes drugs such as Ambien and Lunesta. These drugs have a cleaner side effect profile than benzodiazepines but do appear to cause psychological dependence and physical dependence.
A hormone that has proved effective for some insomniacs in regulating the sleep/waking cycle.
Many of these sleep aids use the antihistamine diphen¬hydramine. The effectiveness of these aids often decreases over time and next-day sedation is common.

Sensations such as creeping, crawling, tingling or pulling – they can be painful or just uncomfortable.  Irritating sensations in the legs, Getting up and moving around can relieve the discomfort when experiencing this sensation, Overwhelming urge to move around.
Discomfort tends to increase when sitting or lying down and during the evening or night.
Increased discomfort in different positions and at different times of the day.  Pain killers. These drugs are addictive and should be used only in low dosages.

Sleep medicine is a recognized medical subspecialty. Doctors who specialize in sleep medicine help people who are unable to sleep well. Sleep doctors are able to detect and treat both common and rare sleep disorders. Some common sleep disorders are insomnia, jet lag, sleepwalking, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea

Anytime Trazone is used for any condition, it is well to remember how very addictive it is.