We’ve all pulled all-nighters, and you know how bad you feel after cramming for that final exam. But imagine how you’d feel if your entire life consisted of one all-nighter after another . . . forever. If you feel like a rock instead of sleep like one, you may be among the people who complain of occasional bouts with INSOMNIA .
“Insomnia” describes any episode of unrefreshing sleep, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, or waking up too early in the morning. Women and the elderly are the most frequent victims.
There are three types of insomnia :
- Transient insomnia is a disturbance in sleeping patterns that lasts only for a few nights. In such a case, you have a brief run-in with jet lag, excitement, stress, illness or a change in sleep schedule. Those with transient insomnia soon return to normal, and sleeping pills ease the course of the problem. While not conducive to long-term use, in the short term, sleeping pills provide relief without fear of dependence or a gradual loss of their effectiveness.
- Short-term insomnia is slightly more serious, because it persists for about two to three weeks. Contributing factors include a job change, divorce, serious illness, financial problems or the death of a close friend or relative.
- Chronic insomnia is the rarest and most serious type, with episodes lasting longer than a few weeks. To combat chronic insomnia, you must first rule out the possibility that it is a symptom of some other underlying health problem. See a doctor to ensure that such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, pregnancy, menopause or arthritis are not responsible for the sleep loss. In addition, medications prescribed for certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or asthma, may adversely affect sleep. Also identify any psychological factors standing in the way of your beauty rest. If you feel sad, worthless or suicidal, you may be depressed. In fact, one of the premier symptoms of depression is the inability to go back to sleep after waking up too early. By treating mental conditions, you can often alleviate the sleeping problem that is just a manifestation of a larger issue.
Read more: How to Cure Your Insomnia | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-to_4845346_cure-insomnia.html#ixzz21ZbWy9Vk
Quick references to help with insomnia :
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco
- Avoid mid day nap
- Take warm bath/shower before bed time
- Have a glass of warm milk or cammomile tea before sleep
- Turn off active tv and computer and dimmed the room
- Turn on soft nature music, soothing sound or meditation voice
- Have a regular massage to enhance blood circulation and promote relaxation
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_54Rb00jTm4 ( reflexology for insomnia )
