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Insomnia Sleep Problems - How to Find a Solution


It is not out of the ordinary these days to have insomnia sleep problems on a periodic basis. Given the fast pace of change in our society many have difficulty ignoring any disturbance and consequently setting aside enough time for sleeping. Many have other problems that cause restlessness and difficulty falling asleep. You can try over the counter sleep aids to alleviate the restlessness problem but for many the underlying causes of an insomnia sleep problem and restlessness require further investigation. The sleeping problem causes or disturbance range from significant life stresses (career change, new baby) to illnesses or shift work.


Causes of Insomnia-Difficulty with Restlessness and Disturbance

Insomnia disturbance can be considered either primary or secondary insomnia. Primary is when the person has problems falling asleep but has no underlying health condition that causes the problem or difficulty. Secondary insomnia is defined as an individual that is having difficulty sleeping due to certain health conditions such as sleep apnea, depression, asthma, alcohol, drug abuse and being overweight.

As an example many individuals with sleep apnea can stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds at a time while asleep. The body does not receive proper rest as the individual can wake up multiple times each night as the body struggles to breathe.


Insomnia is treated several different ways depending on the evaluation of your health care provider. Short term insomnia for instance may require a prescription for sleeping pills for a specific time frame. Some medications or sleep aids become less effective over time and hence it is also recommended that the individual practice good sleep habits that include a regular bedtime and certain other positive behaviors to fall asleep properly. Treatment for long term insomnia would start with first treating the underlying conditions or health issues that are the cause of the sleep deprivation. For instance the sleep apnea could be treated with a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP machine) or perhaps surgery if the individual’s health care provider has determined that it is necessary. For many the treatment of the underlying condition plus the addition of good sleep habits and probably a positive lifestyle change help alleviate the condition.


See your health care provider if you think that you may be suffering from insomnia or any other sleep disorder.

See Also: Melatonin Can Help You Sleep and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness