How we can help with Sleep Issues or Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, inability to stay asleep, or waking too early. Insomnia often causes an individual to have a low quality of life because lack of sleep leads to irritability, fatigue, exhaustion, and more. Insomnia commonly negatively affects a person’s work performance, decision-making skills, and relationships.
Causes of Insomnia
Insomnia has many different causes. If you don’t keep to a regular sleep schedule, have poor eating habits, intake too much caffeine or alcohol, or are experiencing extra stress, any of these may lead to insomnia. Even the schedule that your job or school requires you to keep may cause insomnia. If you are suffering from insomnia, go through the check list below and see if any of these may be the causes.
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Alcohol
- Travel
- Poor sleep habits
- Stress
- Medications
- Eating habits
- Work or school schedule
Types of Insomnia
Insomnia can be broken down into two different types depending upon the duration. An individual may suffer from short-term insomnia or chronic insomnia.
Short-Term Insomnia
Symptoms of short-term insomnia only last for three months or less. While this doesn’t seem so bad, imagine going three months without a good night’s sleep. Most of us can hardly function after one. Some of the most common causes for short-term insomnia are a temporary schedule from school or work, jet lag from travel, or extra stress at work.
Chronic Insomnia
Chronic insomnia lasts for more than three months and occurs at least three times per week. This type of Insomnia typically requires on-going treatment. If lifestyle changes don’t have a positive impact, many times doctors will prescribe medications. If you are suffering from chronic insomnia, you should contact the professionals at F8 Well Centers of Fort Collins immediately for help.
Health Risks of Insomnia
The proper amount of sleep is essential to our health and overall wellbeing. When we discuss wellness, one of our main concerns is the amount of sleep that an individual is getting. Sleep has an incredible impact on our health. Without treatment, insomnia may lead to many long-term health risks. Some of these health risks include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Breast cancer
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
Side Effects of Insomnia Medication
While medications do alleviate insomnia symptoms for some, there is always a risk of side effects when taking prescription medication. Unfortunately, the side effects of the medication look a lot like the side effects of insomnia. Insomnia medications often come with the following side effects:
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory impairment
- Feelings of grogginess
f you have spent too many sleepless nights begging for answers give us a call.