People who sleep more than five hours per night but have no daytime consequences do not truly have the diagnosis of insomnia. However, those who perceive their sleep to be a problem can be considered to have insomnia, especially if they have daytime dysfunction. However, it must be noted that most authorities believe that insomnia is considered a symptom or a complaint. The causes for these symptoms may be many. Half of all patients visiting a doctor have complaints of “insomnia.” It should be taken seriously as there is usually something wrong. After visiting a physician, and having other common clinical disorders excluded, insomniacs can frequently be treated with simple sleep hygiene changes, and following simple rules of sleep. These include proper sleeping scheduling, such as avoiding frequent daytime napping, variable bedtimes, and excessive time spent in bed not sleeping. In addition, mentally stimulating, physically activating, or emotionally upsetting activities within four hours of bedtime will also create a sensation of sleeplessness or insomnia. Many times psychiatric disorders, primary sleep disorders, or other medical conditions can lead to the feeling of insomnia. These are best handled by physicians, who investigate the differential diagnosis and apply appropriate modes of therapy to help restore quality sleep. Those that have common and learned insomnia can often be treated by cognitive and behavioral therapy, which can restore normal sleep if successful.
Almost everyone puts a high premium on quality and adequate quantity of their sleep. We all know that it affects what we accomplish while we are awake. There are several disorders that are nuisances that affect a good night’s sleep, but there are many more that are medically serious and life threatening. There are many medical specialists prepared to discuss abnormal sleep behavior, and to help find answers and perhaps successful treatment for people who have such disorders as obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome from the vibratory effects of snoring, restless legs, or periodic limb movements that kick us awake, spontaneous arousal due to depression or other medical factors, sleep restriction, which means inadequate time in bed, and insomnia, which is extremely common.
PREVIOUS PAGE
