Insomnia: Causes, Symptoms and Remedies

There are several statistics to indicate that insomnia is set to reach endemic proportions in the United States. The National Center for Sleep Disorders Research has revealed that about 30-40 per cent of Americans experience symptoms of insomnia. When the symptoms persist for prolonged periods, patients are diagnosed with chronic insomnia. Before we get into the details about the different insomnia remedies, let’s look into its causes.

Cause:

Although it insomnia is classified as a disorder, it is more often than not a symptom of an underlying problem or some other disease that needs attention. Digestive problems, pain, arthritis are common reasons for intermittent insomnia. Women often undergo insomnia during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Stress is a major contributor. There are several incidents that could trigger stress. The loss of loved ones, anxiety at work, conflict in relationships, are relative factors that contribute to insomnia. Insomnia is also caused due to wrong habits. Excessive use of caffeine, alcohol, and sleeping pills also are also major contributors to sleeping disorders. Certain medications also inhibit sleep. Prolonged used of medications that cure high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid, and asthma are known to cause insomnia. Certain environmental factors like excessive exposure to bright light, noise, and temperature may contribute to sleep disorders.

Symptoms:

Symptoms include difficulty in getting sleep, waking up in the middle of sleep and finding it difficult to sleep again, waking up early, and not feel refreshed and energized after sleep.

Insomnia Remedy:

The first and foremost thing to do is to get rid of stress. Address the issue that causes stress. Counseling and behavioral therapy are also helpful. Medications can provide temporary relief. But if you are looking for a permanent cure, include natural supplements in your daily routine. Herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, eleuthero, schisandra, are some natural remedies that serve as the best sleep aid. But speak to your doctor before buying these medicines and check if they are safe to be used.

Yoga is also known to relieve stress. This ancient art calms and rejuvenates the mind. There are some who suggest acupuncture to relieve sleep disorders. Aroma therapists swear by the power of natural oils like chamomile and lavender to induce sleep.

When left unattended Insomnia can cause irritability, and affect normal life. To effect a change make sure that you make certain lifestyle changes. For instance if you are addicted to coffee or alcohol, quit or control the habit. Do not try and force yourself to sleep; the more you try, the more you mind will resist. Follow a routine to trick the mind into believing that it is time to sleep. Do not expose yourself to excessive light or noise and darken the room as dark rooms induce sleep, while bright lights cause the opposite.