Insomnia
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is simply the inability to get enough sleep. You might struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or even wake up feeling tired despite hours in bed. There are different types – some people can’t sleep at all, while others keep waking up throughout the night.
Types of insomnia:
- Chronic: Lasts a month or more.
- Acute: A few days or weeks.
- Comorbid: Connected to other health problems like stress or illness.
Signs you might have insomnia?
- Tossing and turning: You struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- Feeling drained: Even after sleeping for hours, you wake up still feeling tired.
- Daytime struggles.
The effects of insomnia?
- Physical risks: It can increase your chances of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Mental health struggles: Anxiety, depression, and even confusion can creep in.
- Performance problems: Whether it’s work or school, your brain just doesn’t function as it should.
What causes insomnia?
- Stress.
- Bad habits like using your phone in bed or eating too late
- Health issues such as pain, asthma, or mental health struggles
How to tackle insomnia?
Before reaching for pills, try some lifestyle changes:
- Regular sleep time: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Create a sleep zone: Make your bed comfy, and keep the noise down.
- Avoid late-night snacks or drinks: Alcohol and caffeine can mess with your sleep.
- Relaxing activities: Try reading or meditating to wind down.
If these changes don’t help, talking to a doctor might be the next step. Sometimes, therapy or even medication can help you sleep better.