Sleep Well Naturally

Insomnia is a condition that may involve problems falling asleep at bedtime, waking up in the middle of the night, or awakening too early in the morning and not being able to go back to sleep. Sleep can also be perceived as light and of poor quality. Insomnia becomes a clinical problem when a person experiences trouble falling or staying asleep three or more nights per week, daytime functioning is impaired, and sleep difficulties have persisted for more than one month.  One-third of the adult population reports insomnia symptoms, and for about one third of them (10% of the population), it is a persistent problem that impairs daytime functioning.

 

What causes Insomnia?

Insomnia is more common among women, older adults and shift workers. Stress, anxiety, and depression are the most common causes of insomnia. Chronic insomnia may, on the other hand, increase the risk of developing depression and other health conditions. Medical illnesses can also disrupt sleep due to underlying symptoms (pain), or the emotional distress about the illness. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications can cause insomnia as a side effect. Insomnia can also be induced by excessive use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.

 

Insomnia may also be caused by another sleep disorder, restless leg syndrome (RLS) a condition that produces an uncomfortable sensation in the calves and an irresistible urge to move the legs during wakefulness, particularly in the evening. It is often associated with frequent movements of the legs or arms during sleep. Sleep apnea (a breathing disorder during sleep) can also cause insomnia, although it is more frequently associated with excessive daytime sleepiness. 

 

Sleep onset insomnia is characterized as occurring at the beginning of the desired sleep time and taking greater than 30 minutes to fall asleep. Sleep maintenance insomnia is when individuals fall asleep, but awaken periodically or for lengthy periods during the night with difficulty falling back asleep.