What is insomnia?
Insomnia is difficulty falling or staying asleep, or waking up too early, or simply wake up with the impression of not having a good sleep. The consideration for people suffering from insomnia is different for each patient, and varies between cultures, so it is not possible to define normal sleep in a manner acceptable to different people and populations. What each considered normal in quantity and quality of sleep is very variable.
Why did it happen?
Insomnia may be due to the effects of substances, drugs or toxic or organic disease, a mental disorder, a related sleep disorder breathing (sleep apnea), neurological injury or abnormal sleep situations , such as sleepwalking or sleep terrors in children. In these cases, it is called secondary insomnia. There is talk of primary insomnia when it is associated to another cause, treatment or illness. The description of the night insomnia include discomfort at not being able to sleep satisfactorily, and also the consequences for daytime activity: irritability, poor concentration, drowsiness. There may be a deterioration in social, occupational, or other areas of life of people. In turn, the insomnia itself can cause other illnesses such as depression or headache.
What are the symptoms?
Insomnia is more common in women, and becomes more common as age increases. Subsequent daily activity to cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating and reduced performance, both physically and intellectually. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as:
* Nervousness, tension, anxiety. Personal concerns, household, social relations bedtime.
* Previous history of depression, obsessive or compulsive traits, or other type relevant psychopathological symptoms.
* Symptoms of restless legs or other automatic movements.
* Changes in the usual hours of sleep and wake.
* Snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea.
* Symptoms or history of abusing alcohol or other intoxicants.
* Current medications (diuretics, antihypertensives).
* Other diseases.
* Environmental conditions: noise, excessive temperature or cold.
* Dietary habits (consumption of coffee, alcohol), especially at dinner.
* Making excessive exercise during the day.
* Labor intensive or stressful activity.
(more…)
