Author’s Bio : Summer A Hashmi is an inspiring media arts student. In her spare time, she enjoys writing educational content about health and nutritional topics.

What is Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep condition that affects everyone; however, it is seen more often in women than men. Insomnia effects more than 1 in 4 women, whereas it is seen in every 1 in 5 men. This condition can make it hard for a person to fall asleep or stay asleep. It is also possible that it could cause them to wake up at the wrong time and not be able to go back to sleep. Insomniacs may also feel exhausted, even after getting the recommended hours of sleep. In addition to affecting your energy level and attitude, insomnia can also drain your health, affect your work or school performance, and influence your overall quality of life.

What happens if you have insomnia?

Increased risk for medical conditions
Increased risk for mental health disorders
Increased risk for accidents
Shortened life expectancy

The Different Types of Insomnia

There are currently two types of insomnia and both can be detrimental to your health. The effects of both are the same, however the difference between the two is the cause of your insomnia.

Chronic insomnia – Your insomnia is unrelated to any problems or previous health conditions

Acute Insomnia – Your trouble sleeping is related to medication, a previous health condition (e.g., cancer, depression, arthritis, asthma etc.), or substance misuse (e.g., Alcohol, drugs etc.), or pain.

What are the Causes?

The cause of your insomnia varies on the type that you may have. Based on your type there might be different causes to your problem. These causes will allow you to see and understand how or why you may have this sleep condition.

Chronic

Modifications to your sleep schedule (e.g., changing work schedule, jet lag, etc.)
Stress due to major changes, worries and concerns, or trauma
Your environment (light, temperature, noise, etc.)

Acute

Heavy use of Alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine
Various Medications
Other related sleep conditions (e.g., sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome)
Any form of pain or irritation during the night
Mental Health Issues (e.g., depression, anxiety)

Symptoms/Side Effects You May Recognize

Understanding and identifying whether you have insomnia or not could be challenging. This disorder has many symptoms, so you could confuse yourself. Carefully read the symptoms and self-evaluate. Remember in order to have insomnia you would exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

Hard to fall asleep,
Hard to stay asleep
Waking up at the wrong time and not being able to go back to sleep
Feeling exhausted even after a goodnight’s sleep
Moodiness, depression, or anxiety
Feeling tired, or sleepy during the day
Memory loss or lack of concentration, and focus
Making more mistakes

How to get help?

Getting help might not be easy but know it’s out there for you. Depending on what type and the cause there could be various treatment plans available for you. Listed below are the two types and the treatment options associated with each. Contact your physician to see what is the best plan for you. Chronic Although there isn’t a treatment for chronic insomnia, you may make an appointment with a physician. This will allow them to find a treatment for the health issue or condition that is causing your insomnia. This will allow you to find out what helps you sleep and what doesn’t. Acute This form of insomnia may not require treatment. If it’s hard for you to perform day to day activities you may ask your doctor to prescribe sleeping pills. Do not purchase or use over the counter sleeping pills due to their side effects. They have been found to not work well over time.

The various effects in your day to day life?

Insomnia could contribute to several mental and physical effects in the daytime, which almost always remain unnoticed. Without realizing it day to day activities can get impacted and influenced by your insomnia. Lack of sleep not only can impact your performance at work; it also impacts your home life, relationships, mood, and even mental health.

Insomnia is a disease that can potentially destroy your life and your relationships. Sleep is very important in regulating a healthy lifestyle, and when your body is not getting enough not only does it lead to bad performance, moodiness, mental health issues, but it can also impact your general appearance, cause weight gain, poor balance and coordination, and also memory issues. This effect together can make basic day to day tasks impossible.

Can I get insomnia as a teenager or young adult?

It is very possible for a teenager or young adult to get insomnia. Within teens it’s more common to have chronic insomnia. This is because in teens insomnia is usually caused by another health condition such as mental health, various medications, medical conditions, or substance abuse. It is possible for teens with chronic insomnia to be treated. They can be helped by either a doctor, therapist or any form of counselor. If you believe you many have this sleep disorder speak to a doctor to see what can be done and what treatment plans are available for you.

How does it affect mental health?

The sleep you have lost interferes with the functioning of your brain. Affecting your overall mood, leaving you vulnerable to depression as well as other mood-related conditions. Sour mood and irritability are adverse effects of insomnia that are typical among insomnia patients.

How it affects your performance, and productivity

Without sleep, it is nearly impossible to execute effectively. Insomnia can and does end up taking away the possibility to do your tasks.

Firstly, the decrease in productivity is significant. Studies have shown that anyone with insomnia is double as inefficient as anyone without the condition. Additionally, the impacts of insomnia on efficiency and productivity is two-fold. Insomnia reduces productivity specifically by decreasing one’s ability to pay attention, and through the psychiatric illnesses which occurs due to lack of sleep, often it indirectly causes loss of productivity.

Prevention Plan

Good sleep habits early on
Avoiding eating heavy right before bed
Make sure your bedroom environment is calming
Daily exercise
Consistent Nighttime routine
Don’t use any form of technology before bed

Online Doctor Appointments for Insomnia Concerns

If you or someone in your family suffer from insomnia, feel free to talk about it and seek help immediately. At Home Urgent Care provides telehealth services so you can safely and confidently keep your health in check with our primary and urgent care services and get treatment online. Book an appointment today with our health experts available at your convenience 365 days a year and get your prescription/medication available online.