 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is insomnia?
- Symptoms of insomnia
- Causes of insomnia
- Prevention of insomnia
- Risk factors for insomnia
- Complications of insomnia
- When to see a doctor about insomnia
- Diagnosis of insomnia
- Conventional treatment of insomnia
- Alternative/complementary treatment of insomnia
- Living with insomnia
- Caring for someone with insomnia
Primary insomnia
Primary insomnia has one cause - any type of major life changes:
- Major life changes - any type of stress, either positive, neutral or negative can trigger primary insomnia in people
- changes to schedule
- death of loved one
- different responsibilities at work
- illness of loved one
- marriage
- moving house
- new job
- travel for work
Primary insomnia usually occurs for at least one month.
Researchers believe that even if these life changes become resolved, the patterns that occurred with the insomnia and the associated changes to the internal body clock (circadian rhythms) may not go back to normal so easily or so quickly. People with primary insomnia may need to find some strategies to help them sleep once their issue has been resolved.
Advertisement
Secondary insomnia
There are a number of causes of secondary insomnia, which is a symptom of another health condition:
- Certain medications - a number of medications can increase feelings of anxiety and unease, which can increase likelihood of insomnia. The medications mostly responsible for this effect are: anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, cold and flu medicines, corticosteroids, HRT, ritalin, thyroxine. These medications treat a number of health disorders, so if you are unsure about your medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects
- Menopause - women who are in menopause often find it difficult getting to sleep or to sleep properly partly because of the hot flushes and partly because of the fluctuating hormones
- Mental health conditions - health conditions that are emotional/psychological in nature can cause insomnia as part of the symptoms of the disorder. Examples are: anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder
- Neurological health conditions - health conditions that are neurological in nature can cause insomnia as part of the symptoms of the disorder. Examples are: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease
- Other health conditions - a number of health conditions can cause pain at night, which disturbs ability to get to sleep, such as arthritis, gastroeosophageal reflex (GERD), headaches and migraines. A number of other health disorders impair with breathing, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, sinusitis. An overactive thyroid, which is producing too much thyroxin can also keep a person alert and unable to sleep. Stroke and heart failure can cause insomnia symptoms
- Sleep disorders - people with other sleep disorders, such as snoring, sleep apnoea and restless legs syndrome find it very difficult to have refreshing sleep, either due to an inability to sleep properly or pain that prevents getting to sleep in the first place
- Stimulants - a number of substances have a very stimulatory effect on the body (and brain) and make insomnia more likely. Known stimulants are: caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks and soft drinks like cola), nicotine (cigarettes), some recreative drugs (speed, cocaine), alcohol
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 2: symptoms 4: prevention > Last reviewed: 19 January 2010 || Last updated: 19 January 2010
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
