subject: Important Tips On How To Manage Insomnia [print this page] Insomnia is a sleeping problem wherein a person has trouble sleeping through the night. This condition may vary from acute insomnia episodes to chronic insomnia. Statistics show that approximately 30-50% of the population has this kind of problem while 10% of these data have chronic insomnia. Insomnia has been referred as a sign to other co occurring diseases like anxiety and depression. Many of those who are suffering from insomnia don't seek medical help unless the problem has been long term. Short-term insomnia doesn't pose great harm to the patient unless there are other co occurring disorders associated with the sleeplessness. Opening up with licensed medical staff and counselors are always recommended when the problem of insomnia is already detrimental to the total well-being of an individual.
In order to determine whether insomnia may be a short-term problem or something to take action of, certain classifications are provided. Insomnia can be classified into transient, short-term and chronic insomnia. Transient insomnia pertains to sleeplessness for one week or less. Short-term insomnia can last between 1 to 3 weeks while chronic insomnia can last to 3 weeks or more.
There are many causes of why people have insomnia. Transient insomnia may be due to jet lags where a person travels from one country to another with big time difference. Stressful events, excessive and unpleasant noise may also cause transient insomnia. Another cause for insomnia is acute medical and surgical hospitalization. Most of the time, difficulty in coping with negative experiences can also trigger insomnia. Individuals who suffer rom withdrawals of drug abuse may also experience insomnia. These people may have to go through behavioral therapy in drug rehabilitation programs as part of overcoming withdrawal symptoms associated with drug addiction.
Those who suffer from chronic insomnia may be prescribed with medicine to help them sleep through the night. When the productivity of the individual is already jeopardized due to inability to sleep, it is sometimes necessary to include medication. Caution is always accompanied with intake because some medications may have other side effects to the user. Sedatives are common medications given to those who have problems with sleeping. These drugs induce sleep and relax the nervous system. People who suffer from anxiety disorders and have insomnia are often given this medication to help them calm and sleep throughout the night. Those individuals who have insomnia due to drug addiction withdrawal may also benefit from drug treatment centers where they can be helped in their problems of sleeping. Treatment centers are equipped and staffed with skilled personnel to help patients with sleeping problems.