OK, so let's get the definition out of the way: "insomnia" describes any episode of unrefreshing sleep, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, or waking up too early in the morning.
The three basic kinds are:
- Transient insomnia: Transient insomnia is a disturbance in sleeping patterns which lasts for a few nights only. In this case, you are a princess who has a brief run-in with a frustrating pea such as: jet lag, excitement, stress, illness, or a change in sleep schedule. Here is the good news: those with transient insomnia soon return back to normal, and sleeping pills ease the course of the problem. While not conducive to long-term use, in the short term sleeping pills provide relief without fear of dependence or a gradual loss of their effectiveness.
- Short-term insomnia: Short-term insomnia is slightly more serious because it persists for about 2-3 weeks. Contributing factors include a job change, divorce, serious illness, financial problems, or the death of a close friend/relative.
- Chronic insomnia: Chronic insomnia is the rarest and most serious type, with episodes lasting longer than a few weeks. In spite of this, 10-15% of the US population suffers from it. To combat chronic insomnia you must first rule out the possibility that it is a symptom of some other underlying health problem. See a doctor to ensure that such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, pregnancy, menopause, or arthritis are not responsible for the sleep loss. In addition, medications prescribed for certain health conditions such as high blood pressure or asthma may adversely affect sleep.
SoYouWanna know more? Check out our full-length article SYW cure your insomnia?
