Chronic Insomnia
Jason Rickard
Chronic insomnia is one of the sleep disorders, which affects
one’s quality of life. Statistics shows that one third of
Americans are facing the danger of chronic insomnia. The
sleeplessness is generally classified into different
categories, according to its period of consistent occurrence.
Of these, chronic insomnia is the most serious type, which
lasts consistently for a prolonged period of time, say one
month or more. It is clear that insomnia does not result any
lethal problems, however, it affects the normal functioning of
a person and results in reduced productivity.
Causes
On the basis of the cause of occurrence, chronic insomnia is
classified into primary insomnia and secondary insomnia.
Primary insomnia is caused by personal ill-effects, whereas
secondary insomnia is resulted as a side effect of any external
disturbances such as medication, environmental reasons, and
psychiatric conditions.
The general causes for insomnia include poor sleep hygiene,
anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalance, and circadian rhythm
disorders. Most often, chronic insomnia is not a disorder of
its own but a symptom of more serious physiological and
psychological disorders. The people suffering from the diseases
such as allergy, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, cancer,
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), rheumatologic
complaints, neurodegenerative diseases, endocrine diseases,
kidney failures, and restless leg syndrome are more likely to
get affected by the disorder. The behavioral disorders such as
excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and drugs could
also lead to insomnia. Due to biological specialties, women and
elderly people are more prone to the risk of chronic insomnia.
Effects of insomnia
Chronic insomnia affects the mental stability of a person and
weakens the immune system. It shows the symptoms such as
dizziness, dilemma, anxiety, impaired concentration, lowering
thinking capability, and deteriorates decision making skills.
Chronic insomnia will increase chances of accidents while
driving and may lead to many serious clinical manifestations.
Symptoms
Chronic insomnia feature troubles in a sound sleep, such as
reduced sleep time, frequent wake ups in the middle of the
sleep, and day symptoms of irritability and sleepiness. A
person has to seek the assistance of a physician, if he
experiences any of the conditions such as absence of sleep even
in tired conditions, only light sleep in night that results
fatigue on awakening, and waking up very early.
Diagnosis
Physician will diagnose the disease, with the help of certain
questionnaires such as the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS).
Multiple Sleep Latency test is the diagnostic tool to confirm
chronic insomnia. An expert physician will focus to find out
underlying reason for chronic insomnia.
Treatment
Chronic insomnia is often a curable disease. Early diagnosis
and proper medication will help for speedy recovery. Physicians
generally suggest hypnotics for the treatment of insomnia. The
common prescriptions for chronic insomnia include
benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines, and antihistamines. The
behavioral therapies such as stimulus control, progressive
muscle relaxation, paradoxical intention, biofeedback,
cognitive behavioral therapy, and light therapy are recommended
in some cases of chronic insomnia. The natural herbals such as
Valerian root, Kava kava, and melatonin are practiced in
alternative therapy as remedies for chronic insomnia.
Remember, healthy sleep habits and proper lifestyle including
balanced diet and exercise, relieves a normal person from the
risk of chronic insomnia.
About The Author: Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite
Shop - http://www.yourfavouriteshop.com - Offering White Noise
and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health -
http://www.hapahapa.com for more
articles.
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