Insomnia or lack of sleep afflicts a person for many reasons, such as life pressures, some types of diseases, and others. Sleep, as is known, is a natural process that the body needs and is one of the basic ingredients of life.
Insomnia and lack of sleep is a very common condition, as it affects the number of hours relative to normal sleep and its quality, and insomnia may be of the acute type, i.e. mild symptoms, and its symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks, and it may be of the very chronic type, as the person with this condition is forced to consult a specialist To get some types of natural or medicinal treatments.
Treatment of insomnia and lack of sleep
Doctors believe that insomnia and lack of sleep are divided into several levels between mild and very chronic. Therefore, the specialist doctor may advise treatments according to the severity and development of symptoms. Accordingly, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment for each of these conditions, such as psychological treatment, pharmacological treatment, and others. Below are some of the most important types of recommended treatments.
Treatment of insomnia and cognitive behavioral sleep deficiency
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps control negative thoughts and actions that keep a person awake. Doctors recommend this type of treatment as the first treatment for insomnia and lack of sleep, as some specialized doctors consider that this type of treatment is more effective in some cases than drug therapy. Below are some of the most important cognitive behavioral therapies
Pharmacotherapy
Pharmaceutical treatment of insomnia helps to sleep or stay asleep or both, but doctors do not prefer drug treatment because of its side effects such as ataxia, falling during the day, and sometimes it may cause addiction. Therefore, doctors prescribe this type of medication for only seven days. Here are some of these medications:
Izopiclone (trade name: Lunesta). Ramelteon (trade name: Rozerem). Zaliplon (trade name: Sonata). Zolpidem (trade name: Ambien). melatonin supplements Orexin receptor antagonists. antihistamines Triazolam (trade name: Halson). Benzodiazepine tranquilizers (trade name: triazolam).
Alternative treatment
Alternative therapy can be used to remove muscle tension and clear the mind of negative thinking and anxiety. Here are some of these alternative therapies recommended by doctors:
Acupuncture: Specialists believe that ancient Chinese methods of treatment such as acupuncture, which insert some very fine needles into some pressure points in the human body, may help relieve muscle tension and relaxation, which helps relieve symptoms of insomnia and lack of sleep. Essential oils: Essential oils made from the oils of some plants with a strong smell, such as: Roman chamomile oil, cedar tree oil, lavender oil, bitter orange oil, and others, help as these scents work as a general analgesic that helps to relax, and on the other hand They are largely safe to use, as they do not have side effects in most cases.
Symptoms of insomnia and lack of sleep
A person suffering from insomnia and lack of sleep may suffer from different symptoms, depending on the type of insomnia he suffers from. The following are some of the most important symptoms of insomnia and lack of sleep.
Difficulty sleeping at night. waking up during the night getting up too early. Not feeling well after sleeping at night. Daytime tiredness or sleepiness. Nervousness, depression, or anxiety. Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks, or remembering. Increased errors or accidents. Persistent concerns about sleep. Unexpected mood swings.
Causes of insomnia and lack of sleep
Specialist doctors believe that the causes of lack of sleep are multiple, and understanding these causes may help prevent these conditions, and the following are some of the most important reasons:
Life pressures, including work pressures, marital relationships, financial difficulties, and others. Unhealthy lifestyle and sleep habits. Anxiety disorders, depression, or other mental health problems. Chronic diseases such as cancer may cause poor sleep. Chronic pain due to arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other conditions, and may cause poor sleep. Digestive disorders, such as heartburn or colon problems. Hormonal fluctuation problems due to menstruation, menopause, thyroid disease, etc. Certain medicines and other substances. Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. Habit of smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. Eating habits, large meals at bedtime.
Types of insomnia and lack of sleep
Insomnia or the inability to sleep is divided into two basic types, and the developments of the condition fall under them. The following are some of these divisions as classified by doctors:
Primary insomnia
The state of primary insomnia occurs if the affected person has no other problems, meaning that there is no physical or mental illness that causes this condition, and the following are some of its types:
Acute insomnia: affects a person for a period not exceeding several weeks. Chronic insomnia: The effect of chronic insomnia is for three days a week, and the condition may last for an estimated period of three months. Onset insomnia: Caffeine or some stimulant medications may cause this condition, and it may end with the right diet.
Secondary insomnia
A person may suffer from lack of sleep or difficulty sleeping due to a certain health condition, such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, or drug and alcohol abuse, and the following are some of its types:
Maintenance insomnia: The problem with maintenance insomnia is waking up too early. Mixed insomnia: Mixed insomnia affects the continuity of sleep throughout the night.
Insomnia and lack of sleep can be treated through some lifestyle changes and some alternative therapies. There are also medications to treat this condition. Symptoms associated with this condition are divided from mild to severe. There are also many causes that lead to insomnia and lack of sleep.