Archive for the ‘Insomnia’ Category
Insomnia is more common than you may think. Fortunately, those who suffer usually do so in sporadic episodes that don’t last for very long. Those with temporary suffering can typically relate their insomnia to a life event, a situation that causes great worry or an annoying situation that prevents them from sleeping.
Americans who suffer from the kind of insomnia that lasts longer than a few nights here and there, and there are only a small group of them, may struggle with this problem for weeks on end. In some cases, the insomnia may grow so persistent and severe that it will be an ongoing process for months or even years! It is these sufferers who discover the side effects of insomnia first hand.
Before talking about insomnia’s side effects, it’s important to analyze and determine which type of insomnia the sufferer is experiencing. There are generally three different types, and sufferers usually fall easily into one of the three categories. They may not be able to fall asleep at all, they may be able to get some rest but wake every few hours, or they may sleep and remain asleep for three hours or more but then wake and not be able to fall back asleep.
Those who suffer from insomnia often seek out over-the-counter medication for help. Sadly, most sleep aids found over-the-counter don’t address each form of insomnia, but only focus on helping you get to sleep. Sufferers who can fall asleep but can’t stay asleep often find themselves still waking in the night, with increased tiredness from the pills.
Headaches and a difficulty in concentration are the most noted side effects by those suffering with insomnia. Combining these two side effects with an overall irritability can produce difficult relationships in both the social and professional world of the insomniac. The insomniac may not want their condition to interfere or relate to their relationships, but it can be nearly impossible most of the time.
When an insomniac’s natural energy reserves are depleted, the condition can be quite dangerous. Simple tasks like driving can become dangerous situations. The suffering person may find they are at a much higher risk for being in a traffic accident or even being put at danger as a pedestrian.
When insomniacs realize that their chronic lack of sleep is adversely affecting driving and also workplace behavior, sometimes this leads to unwise lifestyle choices. In some cases, insomniacs may attempt to counteract their lack of sleep, ability to concentrate, and overall moodiness with over the counter drugs or herbal stimulants. Unfortunately, some of these substances are dangerous as they adversely affect some concurrently existing conditions.
Often insomniacs will try to get a good night’s sleep by “self-medicating” with alcohol or recreational drugs. The danger in this type of practice is incredible for the insomniac and their loved ones. The good news is there are many treatments out there which help those who have trouble sleeping, gain the rest they badly need.
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