Insomnia

Insomnia is having difficulty in sleeping or disturbed sleep patterns, which leave a person feeling they haven't had enough sleep. There are three main types of insomnia:

1. Initial Insomnia. Initial insomnia is when a person has difficulty falling asleep. It is commonly associated with anxiety, depression, emotional disturbances, and fearful states.

2. Early Morning Wake-up. This person falls asleep normally but awakens several hours earlier than intended and is unable to return to sleep or experiences restless, unsatisfying sleep.

3. Inverted Sleep Patterns. Most common in elderly people, inverted sleep patterns are often caused by improper use of prescription sleep drugs. Ironically, these drugs are often prescribed for insomnia. The problem is, after taking drugs to sleep, people become drowsy the following morning. Then they tend to sleep or nap more during the day, and then have interrupted or restless sleep at night. This causes them to take more sleep drugs in the middle of the night, and they are drowsy the next day, and the pattern continues.

Approximately 50% of insomniacs are suffering from depression or disorders involving anxiety, stress or grief. Insomnia can also result from the inability to breathe properly, as with asthma, sleep apnea or other respiratory conditions, prescription drug use (antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, appetite suppressants, beta-blockers, decongestants found in cold and allergy remedies, and thyroid replacement drugs), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), muscle aches, indigestion, or pain.

A deficiency of the nutrients calcium and magnesium will cause muscle spasms, anxiety syndromes, restless sleep, and early morning wakeup. Insomniacs should avoid all products containing caffeine or stimulants.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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