Insomnia Causes, Symptoms, Available Treatments

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that regularly affects millions of people worldwide. Individuals find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. The effects can be devastating.

It usually leads to daytime sleepiness, lethargy, and a general feeling of being unwell, both mentally and physically. Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety are common associated symptoms.

It has also been associated with a higher risk of developing chronic diseases. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 30-40 percent of American adults report that they have had symptoms of insomnia within the last 12 months, and 10-15 percent of adults claim to have chronic insomnia.

Insomnia: Causes

Insomnia can be caused by physical and psychological factors. There is sometimes an underlying medical condition that causes it, such as a recent event or occurrence. Some causes can be:

• Disruptions in circadian rhythm – jet lag, job shift changes, high altitudes, environmental noise, extreme heat or cold.
• Psychological issues – bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, or psychotic disorders.
• Medical conditions – chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, congestive heart failure, angina, acid-reflux disease (GERD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, sleep apnea, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, brain lesions, tumors, stroke.
• Hormones – estrogen, hormone shifts during menstruation.
• Other factors – sleeping next to a snoring partner, parasites, genetic conditions, overactive mind, pregnancy.

Insomnia: Types

It is commonly divided into three types.

• Transient – occurs when symptoms last up to three nights.
• Acute – also called short-term insomnia. Symptoms persist for several weeks.
• Chronic – this type lasts for months, and sometimes years. According to the National Institutes of Health, the majority of chronic insomnia cases are side effects resulting from another primary problem.

Insomnia: Treatments

Some types resolve when the underlying cause is treated or wears off. In general, treatment focuses on determining the cause.

Once identified, this underlying cause can be properly treated or corrected.

In addition to treating the underlying cause, both medical and behavioral treatments are used as therapies.

Non-pharmacological approaches include cognitive behaviorlal therapy (CBT) in one-on-one counseling sessions or group therapy:

Medical treatments for include:

• prescription sleeping pills
• antidepressants
• over-the-counter sleep aids
• antihistamines
• melatonin
• ramelteon