Insomnia Essay

Insomnia
Insomnia is a condition that leads to people not getting enough sleep. They tend to be sleepy during the day not being able to concentrate on the activities of the day. Some things that cause insomnia are included in this paper. I have given the definition of insomnia as well. Then I will explain about what treatments are as well as who a person should go see and when.
Definition
Insomnia is difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, or having non-refreshing sleep for at least 1 month.
Alternative Names
Psychophysiological insomnia; learned insomnia; chronic insomnia; Primary insomnia
Causes
Primary insomnia refers to insomnia that is not caused by any known physical or mental condition.
Many different things cause insomnia. The most common causes of insomnia are:
  * Alcohol
  * Anxiety
  * Coffee
  * Stress
Secondary insomnia is caused by a medical condition. Depression is a very common cause of secondary insomnia. Often, insomnia is the symptom that causes people with depression to seek medical help.
Symptoms
  * Difficulty falling asleep on most nights
  * Feeling tired during the day or falling asleep during the day
  * Not feeling refreshed when you wake up
  * Waking up several times during sleep
People who have primary insomnia tend to keep thinking about getting enough sleep. The more they try to sleep, the greater their sense of frustration and distress, and the more difficult sleep becomes.
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your current medications, drug use, and medical history. Usually, these are the only methods needed to diagnose insomnia.
Polysomnography, an overnight sleep study, can help rule out other types of sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea).
Treatment
The following tips can help improve sleep. This is called sleep hygiene.
  * Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine before bed.
  * Do not take daytime naps.
  * Eat at regular times...