Sometimes sleep won't come. Whether at the start of the night, or after awakening, you may have trouble falling or staying asleep. This may represent a sleep disorder called insomnia. What are other symptoms of insomnia? What are some of the potential causes of short- and long-term insomnia?
The symptoms of insomnia extend beyond difficulty falling or staying asleep. In fact, if your sleep is simply not restorative or refreshing, you may also have insomnia. This extends to mental effects such as difficulty thinking, poor concentration, and mood problems. You may be more prone to making mistakes or having accidents. There may be other important consequences as well, many related to the associated sleep deprivation that occurs with insomnia.
If insomnia lasts for less than 3 months, it is classified as acute or short-term insomnia. The causes of short-term insomnia often relate to stress. For example, following the death of a loved one, after you lose a job or get a divorce, or any number of other stressors may incite difficulty sleeping. Importantly, other situational changes may lead to insomnia. Changes in your sleep environment may be disruptive. Travel across time zones may cause jet lag. An atypical work schedule may lead to shift work sleep disorder.
Finally, if your insomnia lasts more than 3 months, you may be interested in learning the causes of long-term insomnia. Certainly psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may contribute. Medical problems, especially those that cause pain or difficulty breathing, may induce insomnia. In addition, other sleep disorders may lead to symptoms of insomnia.
Fortunately, there are many treatments to consider and if you have bothersome symptoms characteristic of insomnia, you should speak with your doctor about therapy options.
Read More About Insomnia:
- The Symptoms of Insomnia
- Causes of Short-Term Insomnia
- Causes of Long-Term Insomnia
- Help for Insomniacs
- How to Diagnose Insomnia
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What self-help books or workbooks do you find the most helpful in dealing with insomnia?