How Insomnia Differs From Occasional Sleeplessness

The causes and treatments for insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that disrupts not only a person's ability to sleep at night but also the function of their abilities during the day. Someone who suffers from insomnia will have trouble falling asleep and /or falling asleep at night, and during the day, he may have problems with concentration and memory, fatigue and worry of sleep.

If these symptoms sound familiar to you, you are not alone: ​about 40 million Americans suffer from insomnia each year and this is the most common sleep disorder in the United States.

What is Insomnia?
Insomnia can take one of two forms. One type, acute insomnia, lasts from one night to a few weeks and is often associated with a stressful life event, such as a death in the family. Normally, this form of insomnia disappears on its own without the need for medical intervention.

The other one more serious type is called chronic insomnia. This happens if you have disturbed your sleep at least three nights a week for at least three months. Frequently, several treatments (more than one minute for another) can help people with chronic insomnia.

Determining whether a person suffers from real insomnia or simply insomnia can be complicated, but in general, people with insomnia will experience at least one of these symptoms.

Difficulty getting to sleep
Wake up at night, with difficulty to go back to sleep.
Restless sleep
Fatigue or low energy
Cognitive impairment
Humor problems
Interpersonal relationship problems
Difficulty at work or at school.
Behavioral problems
In many cases, a night of insomnia here or there will not be so serious, as long as it does not become a motive. Think about the impact of your insomnia in your daily life and, if problem-solving is not a solution to your problem, seek professional help.

Common Causes
Insomnia is associated with or caused by many different factors. Some of the most common associations and causes include:

Depression: It is not clear if insomnia causes depression or vice versa, but there is a link between insomnia and people with depressive disorders.
Anxiety: experiencing tension, worrying excessively or feeling overwhelmed can make sleep difficult.
Lifestyle: working late at night, taking long naps in the afternoons, or working in a team can make it more difficult to establish solid sleep routines.
Food and Beverages: Some substances such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and heavy meals at bedtime can contribute to insomnia.

Getting a Diagnosis
Although there is no definitive test for insomnia, your doctor can use one of the many tools available to diagnose you. Blood tests, sleep diaries and sleep studies are some of the most popular options.

Treating the Condition
Treatments can be non-medical or medical. Some non-medical treatment options include relaxation training and cognitive-behavioral therapy, while medical options include over-the-counter and prescription medications.

If you think you are suffering from insomnia, it is important to consult a doctor. After all, why lose another good night's sleep without having to do it?