What are the Causes of Chronic Insomnia?
Chronic insomnia is a problem that can persist for many years. It’s important to identify the cause of your insomnia and work on changing any contributing factors. Here are some common causes of chronic insomnia including:
Stress: Chronic stress can lead to widespread inflammation, which can disrupt sleep.
Anxiety: Anxiety can lead to increased levels of stress hormones, which can also interfere with sleep.
Depression: Depression can reduce the amount of deep sleep you get each night, which can lead to chronic insomnia.
Poor sleep habits: If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, this can contribute to chronic insomnia. Make sure to establish a regular bedtime routine and avoid watching television or working on the computer in bed before bedtime.
Health problems: Conditions like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or anxiety disorders can also lead to difficulties sleeping.
Different Types of Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can occur at any age but is more common in adults. There are many different types of insomnia, each with its symptoms. Some people experience insomnia only at night, while others struggle throughout the day. Here’s a look at the different types of insomnia and their treatment options
Primary Insomnia: This is the most common type of insomnia and affects around 50% of people. People with primary insomnia usually have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for more than 3 hours at a time. The treatment for primary insomnia typically involves learning how to relax and set bedtime boundaries. Some people also find relief from medications such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates.
Secondary Insomnia: This form of insomnia occurs when someone has difficulty sleeping because of an underlying mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. Secondary insomnia can be very frustrating because it often causes daytime fatigue and irritability. Treatment for secondary insomnia often includes medication and psychological therapies to help treat the underlying condition.
Social Insomnia: This type of insomnia is caused by problems sleeping in social settings, such as in a family bed or during an event.
How are Sleep Disorders Treated?
There are many treatments for sleep disorders, and the most common ones include medication, behavioral therapy, and surgery. Some of the most common medications used to treat insomnia include antidepressants, anxiety medications, and sleep aids. Behavioral therapy is also an often-used treatment for sleep disorders. This type of therapy helps people learn better habits for sleeping and reduces their anxiety about sleep. Surgery is rarely used to treat sleep disorders, but it can be used in some cases to improve the quality of sleep or to correct a specific problem with sleep such as snoring.