Posts Tagged ‘Chronic’

Chronic Insomnia

Chronic Insomnia

Article by Jason Rickard

Chronic insomnia is one of the sleep disorders, which affects one’s quality of life. Statistics shows that one third of Americans are facing the danger of chronic insomnia. The sleeplessness is generally classified into different categories, according to its period of consistent occurrence. Of these, chronic insomnia is the most serious type, which lasts consistently for a prolonged period of time, say one month or more. It is clear that insomnia does not result any lethal problems, however, it affects the normal functioning of a person and results in reduced productivity.

Causes

On the basis of the cause of occurrence, chronic insomnia is classified into primary insomnia and secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia is caused by personal ill-effects, whereas secondary insomnia is resulted as a side effect of any external disturbances such as medication, environmental reasons, and psychiatric conditions.

The general causes for insomnia include poor sleep hygiene, anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalance, and circadian rhythm disorders. Most often, chronic insomnia is not a disorder of its own but a symptom of more serious physiological and psychological disorders. The people suffering from the diseases such as allergy, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), rheumatologic complaints, neurodegenerative diseases, endocrine diseases, kidney failures, and restless leg syndrome are more likely to get affected by the disorder. The behavioral disorders such as excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and drugs could also lead to insomnia. Due to biological specialties, women and elderly people are more prone to the risk of chronic insomnia.

Effects of insomnia

Chronic insomnia affects the mental stability of a person and weakens the immune system. It shows the symptoms such as dizziness, dilemma, anxiety, impaired concentration, lowering thinking capability, and deteriorates decision making skills. Chronic insomnia will increase chances of accidents while driving and may lead to many serious clinical manifestations.

Symptoms

Chronic insomnia feature troubles in a sound sleep, such as reduced sleep time, frequent wake ups in the middle of the sleep, and day symptoms of irritability and sleepiness. A person has to seek the assistance of a physician, if he experiences any of the conditions such as absence of sleep even in tired conditions, only light sleep in night that results fatigue on awakening, and waking up very early.

Diagnosis

Physician will diagnose the disease, with the help of certain questionnaires such as the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Multiple Sleep Latency test is the diagnostic tool to confirm chronic insomnia. An expert physician will focus to find out underlying reason for chronic insomnia.

Treatment

Chronic insomnia is often a curable disease. Early diagnosis and proper medication will help for speedy recovery. Physicians generally suggest hypnotics for the treatment of insomnia. The common prescriptions for chronic insomnia include benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines, and antihistamines. The behavioral therapies such as stimulus control, progressive muscle relaxation, paradoxical intention, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and light therapy are recommended in some cases of chronic insomnia. The natural herbals such as Valerian root, Kava kava, and melatonin are practiced in alternative therapy as remedies for chronic insomnia.

Remember, healthy sleep habits and proper lifestyle including balanced diet and exercise, relieves a normal person from the risk of chronic insomnia.

More Insomnia Articles

Treatment for Chronic Insomnia

Treatment for Chronic Insomnia

Article by Dr. Raj Kakar, M.D., M.P.H.

Insomnia is the most common sleep problem reported by adults. Approximately one-half of all adults have occasional sleep problems during the course of any year. Insomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep or to maintain sleep, usually due to an underlying condition or cause. Both men and women of all ages suffer from insomnia, but it is more common in females and older adults. Individuals suffering from insomnia may experience any or all of the following symptoms:

Difficulty falling asleepDifficulty staying asleep Waking too early in the morning

Typically, insomnia is associated with feelings of restlessness, irritability, anxiety, unrefreshing sleep, and daytime fatigue. Medical or psychiatric conditions that are sometimes associated with insomnia include depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and chronic medical conditions. Medications and other substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine, can also play an important role in the development or persistence of insomnia. Some commonly used medications, such as antidepressants, antihypertensive, antihistamines, and decongestants, have been known to cause insomnia and sleep disruption. Before discontinuing any medication, however, it is very important to discuss your concerns with your doctor first.

For most people with insomnia, the symptoms last a few days to weeks, and then resolve spontaneously. In many of these cases, the underlying cause of insomnia may be a transient life stress or change in the daily routine of an individual. However, for those who have chronic insomnia, lasting for three months or longer, the effects of poor sleep can take a significant toll on quality of life and general well-being. The effects of chronic insomnia include reduced quality of life, impaired social functioning, diminished work productivity, missed work days, impaired memory and concentration, and depression. In essence, chronic insomnia can deprive individuals of their ability to function both socially and professionally, which can then lead to increasing problems in these areas of life.

In addition to decreased job performance, insomnia is associated with increased absenteeism. People with insomnia are at increased risk for various kinds of accidents, both at work and while operating motor vehicles.

Managing Insomnia

Chronic insomnia is characterized by its chronicity. Thus, individuals with chronic insomnia can expect that the problem may be life-long. However, there are successful treatments available that can help to control the severity and to minimize the long-term effects of insomnia.

Scientific research has demonstrated that the most successful treatment protocol for chronic insomnia is a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a series of behavioral interventions used to improve one’s ability to initiate and to maintain sleep. Specifically, CBT is a group of techniques that can be learned to help one sleep better. Generally, CBT is conducted in individual or small group formats, over a period of several weeks. As mentioned earlier, CBT is most successful in conjunction with medication for the treatment of chronic insomnia. However, treatment with medication is not required in every case.

So what exactly is CBT?

CBT encompasses several different techniques, which may be used all together or individually. These various techniques include sleep hygiene training, relaxation therapy, stimulus control therapy, sleep restriction, and cognitive therapy. Sleep hygiene training refers to re-learning habits that encourage and promote sleep. Maintenance of a quiet sleep environment may mean excluding a pet from the bedroom or getting a bed partner to seek help for a snoring problem. Relaxation therapy helps to reduce physiologic and cognitive arousal at bedtime. Some people may be unaware of how tension and stress affect their sleep. Stimulus control therapy works by limiting the presence of external stimuli or factors that may bring anxiety or stress into the bedroom environment. Implementation of this technique can help to establish the bedroom as a place to relax and unwind, away from the stresses of the world. Sleep restriction limits the amount of time spent lying awake in bed. This technique requires close oversight by a physician or psychologist, using sleep diaries, to ensure successful treatment. Cognitive therapy works to refute an individual’s thoughts about sleeplessness and the fear and anxiety related to these thoughts. Cognitive therapy has the potential to provide patients with good tools to deal with insomnia.

CBT is generally conducted by psychologists or physicians with specialized training in these techniques. Unfortunately, CBT for chronic insomnia is not readily available everywhere; however, by doing some research through internet resources or by contacting the National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org) or the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (www.aasmnet.org), you may be able to find someone in your area. At the Dallas Center for Sleep Disorders, we offer Insomnia Workshops with CBT for chronic insomnia. You can contact us for more information (www.dallas-sleep.com or 972-473-7300).

How can I get some pentobarbital for my chronic insomnia?

Question by Dan Rodenberg: How can I get some pentobarbital for my chronic insomnia?
I am wondering how I would go about getting pentobarbital for my chronic insomnia. I am often up for days at a time and have tried all other sleeping medications (ambien, melatonin, etc, you name it, I’ve tried it). I really believe this might be the solution to my problem. How would I go about getting some? Can a doctor prescribe it for me?

Best answer:

Answer by Cooker
It would require a doctor’s prescription. If you do not have an issue with alcohol or an addiction, why not try a home remedy. I have discovered that a tad of 80-proof vodka before bed, mixed with water and ice gives a great and restful slumber. Works for me and for my daughter on those nights when sleep eludes us. Unlike most alcohol that leaves you sluggish in the a.m., the vodka tends to have you awaken feeling refreshed and ready to go.

Maybe try some other home remedies from Earthclinic (source below). Some folks have had success with them! Some are strange–but seem to work!

Give your answer to this question below!

Q&A: What percent of people in the world suffer from chronic sleep disorders?

Question by ashley.: What percent of people in the world suffer from chronic sleep disorders?
Also, how about America?

I’m doing a speech on sleep disorders tomorrow and I can’t find the percentages anywhere.

Best answer:

Answer by dickn2000a
My studies indicate that 27.34% of people world wide suffer from some form of sleep disorder.

What do you think? Answer below!

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Q&A: What is the best remedy for a chronic insomnia?

Question by neil hillbarry: What is the best remedy for a chronic insomnia?
I’ve been sleepless for 3 consecutive days. I tried melatonin from GNC but it just made me dizzy but not sleepy at all. I’ve been feeling backpain and dizziness due to sleeplessness. What are some practical solutions to my insomnia? I’ve been an insomniac since I was a teen. Pls. advise.

Best answer:

Answer by jaimelleonard
pot. see, this is why it should be legal. you’d get the munchies and pass right out.

What do you think? Answer below!