Insomnia is a sleep disorder, but unlike other sleeping disorder like narcolepsy and sleep apnea, it is not a life-threatening condition.
However, if it interrupts with the person's work performance, affects physical, emotional, and mental-well being, and interferes with the normal quality of life, then it's time to seek proper insomnia cure.
There are various ways to diagnose and cure insomnia.
When seeking professional help, expect the doctor to evaluate your medical history as well as your sleep history.
Certain questions about family history are also be necessary.
Your family or a bed companion may need to participate in the interview to know symptoms that you might not be aware of as you are asleep.
Treatment depends on the kind of insomnia you have i.
e.
situational/transient or chronic/intermittent.
Transient insomnia may only be triggered by stressful situations, environmental noise, or other factors.
This kind of insomnia usually lasts for several weeks but can pass after some time.
Chronic insomnia is a long-term condition that may be caused by work schedules, prolong alcohol or medication intake, mental-health problems, and certain illnesses.
Drugs or over-the-counter insomnia cure is not recommended for any kind of insomnia.
However, prescription sleeping pills may improve the quality of sleep and alertness of the individual the following day.
Short-acting pills and other sleep-inducing medication must be supervised by a doctor.
Dosage must also be reduced overtime for some medicines as abrupt withdrawal can lead to recurrence of insomnia.
Relaxation therapy works by reducing stress and eliminating anxiety and tension in the body.
Relaxation therapy aims to restore regular sleeping patterns in the most natural and soothing way.
The therapy may include meditation, yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, various massages, etc.
Treating insomnia does not need rigid and complicated techniques.
Several lifestyle changes improve sleep cycle.
Once you're accustomed to the changes, sleep occurs easily and in a deeper, more relaxing state.
Some lifestyle changes that can improve the quality of sleep: · Establish a regular sleep schedule · Reduce or cut off caffeine intake · Keep alcohol intake in moderation · Workout regularly during the day · Sleep in a comfortably cool, quiet, and dark room · Avoid using the bed for leisure activities including reading or watching television · Read light books · Meditate · Reduce stress and feelings of depression and anxiety by learning relaxation techniques · Avoid eating heavily before going to bed · Stop worrying on how to fall asleep.
Avoid checking the clock to know how much time has passed since you lay down to bed.
This will only make you feel restless · Avoid taking naps · Don't watch television, use the computer or any mobile devices hours before going to sleep · Don't depend on medications to fall and stay asleep Identify the behaviors and factors that induce and worsen insomnia, then stop or reduce them.
Transient or situational insomnia can be cured by adjusting sleeping schedule.
Altering some lifestyle patterns can also improve sleep and cure even chronic or intermittent insomnia.