How Severe Can Your Sleeping Disorder Be?
It may be surprising, but you are not alone in experiencing sleepless nights and witnessing the sunrise. Approximately 70 million Americans suffer from a sleeping disorder. Among them, 30 percent of adults have short-term insomnia, while 10 percent have long-term insomnia. This condition is so impactful that 10 percent of people have reported falling asleep during the day, and 5 percent have fallen asleep while driving. On average, humans need 8 hours of sleep each day to function properly. But what is causing your lack of sleep?
Various factors can disrupt your sleep schedule, ranging from the pandemic to workload. It is crucial to identify the root cause of sleep deprivation in order to treat your insomnia. Let’s educate ourselves about this sleeping disorder.
Understanding Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep for the desired duration. It can be either acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-lasting), and it can lead to underlying health issues. Additionally, insomnia symptoms may come and go.
If insomnia persists for three months or more, it is essential to seek medical help as it may indicate other health problems. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial to receive appropriate treatment.
Recognizing the Symptoms
People with insomnia have reported various symptoms, and here are some of the most common ones:
- Waking up early in the morning
- Non-refreshing sleep
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Experiencing fatigue
- Mood swings
- Irritability throughout the day
- Trouble concentrating on tasks during the day
Can Insomnia Be Treated?
Short-term insomnia usually does not require treatment as it may be caused by external factors or temporary circumstances. However, if insomnia significantly affects your daily life, such as hindering your ability to perform regular activities due to exhaustion, your doctor may prescribe sleeping pills for a short period.
Medications that provide rapid but temporary relief can help with issues like drowsiness and daytime sleepiness. Ambien, a sedative-hypnotic medication, can help you achieve a proper 8 hours of sleep. It works by balancing chemicals in the brain and gradually inducing sleep.
However, it is important to avoid using over-the-counter Ambien for sleep deprivation, as it may cause severe side effects and lead to dependence.
For chronic insomnia, treatment should focus on addressing the underlying conditions or health issues that contribute to sleeplessness. Your doctor may also recommend therapy to help you modify behaviors that worsen insomnia and learn how to manage it with medication.
Conclusion
Insomnia can be treated through medication and therapy, but relying on medication for life is not recommended. Making significant lifestyle changes can also help you achieve your sleep goals.