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Nearly everyone has trouble sleeping once in a while. Whether due to stress, health factors or lifestyle, many people experience restless nights on occasion. For the unfortunate 15 to 20 million people in the United States who suffer from insomnia, this sleeplessness is much more common.
Insomina is defined not only as a lack of sleep, but as the inability to get enough restful sleep. It may involve trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early in the morning without being able to return to sleep.
For many people, insomnia happens occasionally in response to life events. These events, exciting or stressful, can keep one awake and thinking late into the night. Other people develop poor sleep schedules, sleeping late into the morning or napping during the day. This makes sleep at night more difficult.
Insomnia also may be a symptom of depression. If you are feeling down, are fatigued and are having trouble falling asleep or are waking up too early, you may be depressed. Treatment for depression may cure insomnia if the two problems are related.
Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements can cause insomnia. These include some antidepressants, high blood pressure medicines, steroids, weight-loss products and decongestants.
Insomnia may also be a symptom of a medical problem that causes pain or discomfort such as arthritis or gastroesopheageal reflux disease.
Insomnia sends many people to the doctor, often to get sleeping pills. Yet most doctors believe sleeping pills should be avoided whenever possible. Prescription medications may knock you out, but may not address the underlying cause of your sleep disorder.
The key to tackling your insomnia is to get to the root of the problem.
Let a Mercy neurologist diagnose your insomnia and create a customized treatment plan, allowing you to get that full night's rest your body deserves. |
