My Insomnia » Insomnia Causes http://www.my-insomnia.com Insomnia Causes, Symptoms & Cures Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:47:23 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Prescription sleep medicines can be bad for you http://www.my-insomnia.com/prescription-sleep-medicines-can-be-bad-for-you/ http://www.my-insomnia.com/prescription-sleep-medicines-can-be-bad-for-you/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:47:23 +0000 admin http://www.my-insomnia.com/?p=118 Most insomnia goes away on its own once the stressful event in your life goes away. Or you go back to your normal routine lifestyle. But others need medical attention. Most people will use over-the-counter sleep aids for a period of time. If those failed to help in the long term, they seek professional help. Doctors usually prescribe sleep medicines. Prescription sleep medicines can help some people get much-needed rest. Most sleep medicines are used for short-term treatment, though some people with severe chronic insomnia may benefit from longer treatment. It is important to understand the risks before using a sleep medicine. In some cases, sleep medicines may:

  • Become habit-forming
  • Mask medical problems that may be causing the insomnia, and delay treatment
  • Interact with other medicines you use and cause serious health problems
  • Cause grogginess or rebound insomnia, where the sleeping problems get worse

Uncommon side-effects of sleep medicines include:

  • Severe allergic reactions or facial swelling
  • High blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, or short-term memory loss
  • Complex sleep-related behaviors, such as binge eating or driving while asleep

 

Source:  The Office on Women’s Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health

]]> http://www.my-insomnia.com/prescription-sleep-medicines-can-be-bad-for-you/feed/ 0 When should I talk to a doctor about my insomnia? http://www.my-insomnia.com/when-should-i-talk-to-a-doctor-about-my-insomnia/ http://www.my-insomnia.com/when-should-i-talk-to-a-doctor-about-my-insomnia/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:28:24 +0000 admin http://www.my-insomnia.com/?p=113 Most insomnia is caused by a short-term change in the sleep/wake schedule, as with jet lag, your sleep schedule may return to normal on its own. If you’re under stress at work or school, insomnia usually occurs for a few days to several weeks. But if the condition worsens, or prolongs, you should talk to your doctor. Many people call their doctor even when insomnia lasts just a few days because the condition interferes with their daily life.

Talk to your doctor if you are having problems falling or staying asleep, especially if lack of sleep is affecting your daily activities. Keep a sleep diary for 2 weeks before you see your doctor. Note the time of day you fall asleep and wake up, changes in your daily sleep routine, your bedtime routine, and how you feel during the day.

Your doctor may do a physical exam and take medical and sleep histories. He or she may also want to talk to your bed partner about how much and how well you are sleeping. In some cases, you may be referred to a specialist or a sleep center for special tests.

 

Source:  the Office on Women’s Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health

]]> http://www.my-insomnia.com/when-should-i-talk-to-a-doctor-about-my-insomnia/feed/ 0 What are the different types of insomnia and what causes them? http://www.my-insomnia.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-insomnia-and-what-causes-them/ http://www.my-insomnia.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-insomnia-and-what-causes-them/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:46:59 +0000 admin http://www.my-insomnia.com/?p=107 There are 2 types of insomnia:

  • Primary insomnia is not a symptom or side-effect of another medical condition. It is its own disorder. It may be life-long or triggered by travel, shift work, stressful life events, or other factors that disrupt your sleep routine. Primary insomnia may end once the issue is resolved, or can last for years. Some people tend to be prone to primary insomnia.
  • Secondary insomnia has an underlying cause, so it’s a symptom or side-effect of something else. It is the most common type. Secondary insomnia may have a medical cause, such as:
    • Depression or anxiety
    • Chronic pain such as from fibromyalgia, migraine, or arthritis
    • Gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn
    • Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
    • Stroke
    • Alzheimer’s disease
    • Menopause

    Secondary insomnia also can result from:

    • Some medicines, such as those that treat asthma, heart problems, allergies, and colds
    • Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
    • Poor sleep environment (such as too much light or noise, or a bed partner who snores)

    Secondary insomnia often goes away once the underlying cause is treated, but may become a primary insomnia.

Some people with primary or secondary insomnia form habits to deal with the lack of sleep, such as worrying about sleep or going to bed too early. These habits can make insomnia worse or last longer.

 

Source: The Office on Women’s Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health

]]> http://www.my-insomnia.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-insomnia-and-what-causes-them/feed/ 0 What is insomnia? http://www.my-insomnia.com/what-is-insomnia-2/ http://www.my-insomnia.com/what-is-insomnia-2/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:41:57 +0000 admin http://www.my-insomnia.com/?p=96 Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. If you have insomnia, you may:

  • Lie awake for a long time and have trouble falling asleep
  • Wake up a lot and have trouble returning to sleep
  • Wake up too early in the morning
  • Feel like you haven’t slept at all

Lack of or poor quality sleep causes other symptoms that can affect daytime function. You may feel very sleepy and have low energy throughout the day. You may have trouble thinking clearly or staying focused. Or, you might feel depressed or irritable.

Insomnia is defined as short and poor quality sleep that affects your functioning during the day. Although the amount of sleep a person needs varies, most people need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night to feel refreshed.

Insomnia can be mild to severe and varies in how often it occurs and how long it lasts. Acute insomnia is a short-term sleep problem that is generally related to a stressful or traumatic life event and lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Acute insomnia might happen from time to time. With chronic insomnia, sleep problems occur at least 3 nights a week for more than a month.

Insomnia tends to increase as women and men age.

 

Source: Office on Women’s Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health.

]]> http://www.my-insomnia.com/what-is-insomnia-2/feed/ 0 Most people suffer from comorbid insomnia http://www.my-insomnia.com/most-people-suffer-from-comorbid-insomnia/ http://www.my-insomnia.com/most-people-suffer-from-comorbid-insomnia/#comments Tue, 01 Feb 2011 03:44:22 +0000 admin http://www.my-insomnia.com/?p=92 There are two types of insomnia. The most common type is called secondary or comorbid insomnia. Most often, people suffer from comorbid insomnia. This type is usually caused by some other health problems.

More than 8 out of 10 people who have insomnia are believed to have secondary insomnia. Certain medical conditions, medicines, sleep disorders, and substances can also cause secondary insomnia. Insomnia can make a person’s life miserable as you can feel irritable and lack energy during the day. It can affect your ability to work, study, and carry on tasks. Sometimes even the simplest life tasks become impossible.

Other than making your life miserable, insomnia can also cause big damages. Accidents can happen if you’re sleepy most of the day. If your insomnia lasts more than a week, seek professional help right away. There are medications and other ways to help. Talk to your doctor.


Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

]]> http://www.my-insomnia.com/most-people-suffer-from-comorbid-insomnia/feed/ 0 Waking up too early is a sign of insomnia? http://www.my-insomnia.com/waking-up-too-early-is-a-sign-of-insomnia/ http://www.my-insomnia.com/waking-up-too-early-is-a-sign-of-insomnia/#comments Fri, 31 Dec 2010 22:23:47 +0000 admin http://www.my-insomnia.com/?p=90 Most people experience temporary insomnia from time to time. You don’t have to worry about it. Stress at work, loss of a job, or financial problems can cause insomnia. But if it lasts more than a few weeks, you need to see your doctor. Insomnia is more common in females, people with depression, and in people older than 60. Typically, insomnia symptoms includes having trouble falling asleep; waking up frequently at night; waking up too early.

Although older people tend to wake up more frequently and wake up too early, it is a sign of insomnia if it persists even if there are no significant life events to trigger such. As mentioned above, any of the symptoms lasts for more than a few weeks and it bothers you and affects your daily activities, talk to your doctor.

Source: FDA

]]> http://www.my-insomnia.com/waking-up-too-early-is-a-sign-of-insomnia/feed/ 0 Unfortunately women do suffer more insomnia than men http://www.my-insomnia.com/unfortunately-women-do-suffer-more-insomnia-than-men/ http://www.my-insomnia.com/unfortunately-women-do-suffer-more-insomnia-than-men/#comments Sun, 19 Sep 2010 01:44:13 +0000 admin http://www.my-insomnia.com/?p=78 It’s unfortunate, but women tend to suffer more frequent insomnia than men. One of the major factor is hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The second big factor is menopause. Hot flashes and night sweats usually keep women awake at night and sleeps disturbed.

The third one is pregnancy. During pregnancy, women tend to wake up more often due to discomfort or simply to use the bathroom.

Lastly, other health issues such as depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and restless leg syndrome tend to be more common in women than men.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

]]> http://www.my-insomnia.com/unfortunately-women-do-suffer-more-insomnia-than-men/feed/ 0 Secondary insomnia is the most common type of insomnia http://www.my-insomnia.com/secondary-insomnia-is-the-most-common-type-of-insomnia/ http://www.my-insomnia.com/secondary-insomnia-is-the-most-common-type-of-insomnia/#comments Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:43:23 +0000 admin http://www.my-insomnia.com/?p=72 The reason this type of insomnia is called secondary insomnia is because it’s a symptom or side-effect of something else. It often is caused by a medical reason such as depression, anxiety, migraine, arthritis, heartburn, restless leg syndrome, stroke, and menopause. Even external influences such as caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and some medicines can cause secondary insomnia.

It is the most common type of insomnia that people suffer from. This type of insomnia tends to last longer and usually requires medical attention. It doesn’t usually go away on its own.

Source: Women’s office

]]> http://www.my-insomnia.com/secondary-insomnia-is-the-most-common-type-of-insomnia/feed/ 0 Not all insomia need medical attention. Some go away. http://www.my-insomnia.com/not-all-insomia-need-medical-attention-some-go-away/ http://www.my-insomnia.com/not-all-insomia-need-medical-attention-some-go-away/#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:38:07 +0000 admin http://www.my-insomnia.com/?p=69 If you can’t go to sleep, whether it’s life long or triggered by other situations such as traveling, work hour changes, daily stress, stressful events, or other things in life, it might not be a symptom of another medical disorder. It’s called primary insomnia. In other words, it’s plain old insomnia, an sleeping disorder by itself.

A primary insomnia sometimes can end on its own without medical attention. If it was stress related, it’ll go away once the stressful events are over. If it was travel related, it’ll go away once you go back to your normal routine. But if it’s pure life long insomnia, not triggered by external events, it can last for years. Research has shown that some people tend to be prone to primary insomnia.

Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

]]> http://www.my-insomnia.com/not-all-insomia-need-medical-attention-some-go-away/feed/ 0 Most insomniacs suffer from depression, stress, anxiety http://www.my-insomnia.com/most-insomniacs-suffer-from-depression-stress-anxiety/ http://www.my-insomnia.com/most-insomniacs-suffer-from-depression-stress-anxiety/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:55:02 +0000 admin http://www.my-insomnia.com/?p=60 Insomnia for many people is caused by stresses in everyday life. Most insomniacs suffer from depression, stress, anxiety and other psychological problems, though there are individuals who just suffer from it with no apparent reasons.

Some people are not affected by it until it suddenly hits them one day. Insomnia is characterized by lack of sleep, waking up in the night and overall trouble falling back asleep once you’re awake. Insomnia interrupts all stages of sleep, and every stage is vital for a refreshing night in bed. Without Deep Sleep, the REM cycle or any other phase of sleep you wake up feeling groggy.

Most people are able to reduce the effects of insomnia by simply cutting back on caffeine, not eating or exercising before bed and changing their diets. Though these things may help Insomnia is rooted in issues the individual faces everyday. Change in diet will help, but you need to find the source of the stress, anxiety and depression.

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