Sleep is a fundamental part of our daily lives, essential for our physical and mental well-being. But it might be difficult for many people to get to sleep and stay asleep peacefully. Insomnia is a widespread sleep problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Al Hilal Hospitals are committed to offering complete medical care, which includes identifying and treating insomnia.
What is Insomnia?
Despite having the chance to sleep, people with insomnia have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep. It may result in weariness, alterations in mood, and difficulties carrying out daily tasks. Insomnia can be a transient problem or last for a long time, leading to chronic insomnia.
Causes of insomnia
There are numerous potential reasons for insomnia, including:
- Stress and Anxiety: It can be difficult to unwind and go to sleep when you’re under a lot of stress or anxiety.
- Medical Conditions: A number of illnesses, including chronic pain, asthma, and gastrointestinal problems, can interfere with sleep.
- Medications: A number of drugs, including some blood pressure pills, antidepressants, and stimulants, can keep you from falling asleep.
- Lifestyle Factors: Insufficient physical exercise, bad sleep patterns, irregular sleep schedules, and excessive caffeine or alcohol use can all cause insomnia.
- Psychological Factors: Insomnia can be brought on by psychological conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Environmental Factors: It might be challenging to fall asleep in a noisy or uncomfortable atmosphere.
- Hormonal Changes: Sleep patterns can be impacted by hormonal changes, such as those brought on by menopause.
Al Hilal professionals can assist in identifying the underlying causes of insomnia and creating an individualized treatment plan to enhance both sleep quality and general health.
Investigate our healthcare offerings to be informed about your health and sleeping habits.
Insomnia Symptoms
Here are some specific signs of insomnia:
- Difficulty Falling Asleep: It might be difficult for those with insomnia to fall asleep. They might spend a lot of time lying in bed, wide awake, unable to fall asleep.
- Frequently Waking Up: Numerous insomniacs experience several nighttime awakenings. These awakenings may just last a few minutes and present challenges for falling back asleep.
- Waking Up Too Early: Some people with insomnia wake up earlier than they would want to every day and find it difficult to fall back asleep, even when they haven’t gotten enough sleep.
- Sleep That Is Not Restorative: Sleeping with insomnia frequently seems unrefreshing. Even after a sufficient amount of time in bed, the person still feels exhausted when they awaken.
- Daytime Tiredness: Chronic daytime weariness is a defining sign of insomnia. During the day, people may experience extreme fatigue, sluggishness, and mental fogginess.
- Mood Disturbations :A lack of sleep can result in mood fluctuations, irritation, increased stress, and increased emotional sensitivity.
- Inability to Concentrate: Insomnia can affect focus, attention, and memory since sleep is necessary for cognitive function. People could find it difficult to focus when going about their regular lives or at work.
- Deteriorated Performance: The performance at work, school, or in daily duties might be significantly impacted by insomnia. It could be difficult for people to fulfill their regular obligations.
- Growing Stress and Anxiety Stress and insomnia frequently result in a vicious cycle. The symptoms of stress and anxiety might worsen as a result of sleep loss, which in turn can contribute to the development of insomnia.
- Physical Signs and Symptoms Physical discomfort from insomnia might include headaches, tense muscles, and gastrointestinal problems.
- A longer slumber delay: The duration it takes to fall asleep is referred to as sleep latency. People with insomnia frequently have a longer sleep latency and have trouble falling asleep, even when they are physically exhausted.
- Dependence on Sleep Aids: Some people who experience chronic insomnia may become dependent on sleeping pills or other substances, which can result in prescription dependence.
It is advised to seek medical examination and therapy if you or someone you know has chronic insomnia symptoms that interfere with everyday life and wellbeing. Call us now at Al Hilal Hospitals to arrange an appointment with one of our sleep specialists if you are experiencing insomnia.
Types of insomnia
Insomnia can be categorized into different types based on its duration:
- Temporary insomnia Transient insomnia, which lasts only a few nights, is frequently brought on by a particular occasion or stressor.
- Transient insomnia: This type of insomnia, also known as acute insomnia, lasts for a few weeks and is often brought on by a stressful life event.
- Chronic inability to sleep Insomnia is regarded as chronic when it lasts for three months or more, affecting at least three nights per week. This kind might be connected to an underlying physiological or mental issue.
The importance of sleep for overall health and wellbeing cannot be overstated. Put sleep first and ask for assistance when necessary.
Diagnosis of Insomnia
It takes a careful examination of your sleeping habits and medical background to diagnose insomnia. Our doctors at Al Hilal Hospitals could inquire about your lifestyle, medications you take, and sleeping patterns. To monitor your sleeping patterns over time, they could also suggest keeping a sleep diary.
In some circumstances, a polysomnogram (a sleep study) may be carried out to evaluate your sleep in a regulated setting. This test keeps a watch on a number of sleep-related factors, including breathing patterns, heart rate, brain activity, and eye movement.
Insomnia Treatments
The underlying reason and degree of insomnia determine how it should be treated. Typical treatment strategies include:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Adapting a regular sleep schedule, enhancing sleep hygiene, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine can all be beneficial.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): CBT-I is a systematic form of therapy that aids people in addressing the attitudes and actions that lead to insomnia.
3 Medications To enhance sleep patterns, doctors may occasionally recommend the short-term use of sleep medicines.
- Addressing Underlying Causes: It’s critical to treat any underlying medical or psychological issues that may be causing your insomnia.
- Alternative Therapies: Relaxation methods like progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation can help with insomnia symptoms.
A typical sleep issue called insomnia can have a substantial negative influence on your quality of life. But you can overcome sleepless nights and get restful sleep with the help of efficient therapies and techniques. Al Hilal Hospitals is dedicated to offering complete care for those who suffer from sleeplessness, and
Our skilled medical professionals are prepared to help you on your path to greater health and rest.
