Sleep Awareness

 Insomnia Facts

Insomnia, which is Latin for "no sleep," is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia is used to describe the condition of waking up not feeling restored or refreshed.

Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint among Americans. It can be either acute, lasting one to several nights, or chronic, even lasting months to years. When insomnia persists for longer than a month, it is considered chronic. According to the National Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health, about 30-40 percent of adults say they have some symptoms of insomnia within a given year, and about 10-15 percent of adults say they have chronic insomnia. More often, people experience chronic-intermittent insomnia, which means difficulty sleeping for a few nights, followed by a few nights of adequate sleep before the problem returns. 

Insomnia can be a disorder in its own right, but often it is a symptom of some other disease or condition. In the case of stress-induced  insomnia, the degree to which sleep is disturbed depends on the severity and duration of the stressful situation. Sometimes this may be a disturbing occurrence like loss of a loved one, loss of a job, marital or relationship discord or a tragic occurrence. Anticipation of such things as weddings, vacations, or holidays can also disturb sleep and make it difficult to fall asleep or remain asleep. Insomnia can also occur with jet lag, shift work and other major schedule changes.

If you have difficulty sleeping, it is essential to determine whether an underlying disease or condition is causing the problem. Sometimes insomnia is caused by pain, digestive problems or a sleep disorder. Insomnia may also signal depression or anxiety. Often times, insomnia exacerbates the underlying condition by leaving the patient fatigued and less able to cope and think clearly. For insomnia related to a medical condition or pain, ask your healthcare professional about appropriate medication or treatment options. 

The prevalence of insomnia is higher among older people and women. Women suffer loss of sleep in connection with menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Rates of insomnia increase as a function of age but most often the sleep disturbance is attributable to some other medical condition.

Sleeping Smart Cheat Sheet

Know: Insomnia is more than just having difficulty falling asleep. It is also having difficulty staying asleep through the night.

Recognize: Insomnia can have an effect on everyday life: relationships, work productivity, overall health and well-being.

Act: You don't have to keep struggling with trying to fall and stay asleep. There are many things you can do to help you get a good night's sleep, including lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques and prescription sleep aids than can help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Realize: Feeling like yourself starts with a good night's sleep. Talk to your healthcare professional about ways to adopt healthy behaviors and manage your sleep problems.

Own: Know the appropriate way to take a sleep aid - read the label information and use only as directed.

Source: www.sleepfoundation.org
Courtesy of Wellness Proposals

Please be aware that our office has many resources that can help you get a good night's sleep. Our medical staff can talk with you about the appropriate prescription medications suited to your particular condition. Our acupuncturist can not only speak with you about the benefits of acupuncture, but she can also address lifestyle behaviors, meditation techniques, yoga postures, and offer nutrition advice that can help relieve insomnia and any other underlying conditions. Our staff is available for Complimentary Consultations upon request. Please call us at 912-427-8433 to let us know how we can assist you.