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Insomnia is a tricky disease if you even want to call it that. Can you really compare it to drug or alcohol abuse? Is it mental?
Doctors state that people who can’t sleep for more then one month or have sleep disturbance constantly are either experiencing insomnia or are at a higher risk of getting it.
Types of Insomnia
There are two main types of Insomnia, one being Idiopathic which is a disorder where you really don’t sleep at all. Prolonged periods of this type of Insomnia can really harm your body.
The other main form on Insomnia being Psycho Physiological which is a mental (psychological) issue and relies on the stress factor in your life. Not only is this completely mental, most people experience this type more than Idiopathic Insomnia.
One type I don't believe should be considered within this group is Sleep State Misperception. A patient complains they've had trouble sleeping when they actually haven't -- which in Blifaloo's opinion is the definition of a psycho -- so we will focus mostly on Idiopathic and Psycho Physiological Insomnia in this article.
Insomnia Treatment
Treatments are a great way to beat Insomnia, but there are ways you can change the way you sleep just by moving your lifestyle to a calmer and easier routine. If you've ever had a busy day where you have to be in more then one place at a time while getting fifty million phone calls during that day, you've probably had just enough stress to cause sleeping problems.
One way to beat stress (and Insomnia) is to organize your life, make sure you’re not doing more then what your body can handle.
Doctors will at times prescribe a psychiatrist or shrink to deal with Insomnia or a mental problem and I guarantee they will tell you exactly what I am telling you or something similar. The real treatment is changing your lifestyle.
Quick Tips for Getting a Better Nights Rest:
- Try the standard home remedies: warm baths, warm milk, herbal tea, etc..
- Lay off the caffeine in the afternoon and especially before bed.
- Tobacco, take it from a person who quits and starts smoking on a quarterly basis. Tobacco messes with your sleep. If you are really serious about getting into a normal sleeping pattern quit smoking. Even just quick for 2 weeks and see the difference.
- One of the best methods for curing sleep problems is simply keeping to a schedule. No matter what time you fall asleep always wake up at the same time. Even on weekends. No exceptions. If you stay up till 4am, and your wake up time is 8am -- set your alarm and wake up at 8am. No matter how tired you are during the day, do not take a nap. By 11pm or so you will pass out happily. If you are skeptical just try this method for a week or two and see how it works for you.
- If no traditional methods work for you, you can try herbal supplements such as Valerian, Passion flower, Lavender, Hops, Wild lettuce, California poppy, Kava kava, St. John's Wort or Melatonin. (Editors note: I've tried all of these without success -- though a few friends swear by Melatonin), and be sure to talk to your doctor about herbal remedies before poisoning yourself).
- One thing that absolutely worked for me was 5-HTP. It is the precursor to Serotonin. Do a google search for 5-HTP and insomnia for more info.
- Prescriptions for Insomnia such as Zopiclone and it's cousins - Do these work? Oh hells ya. They will knock you out and usually with some strange side effects too. Twitchy legs is a common side effect, the taste of metal in your mouth, etc. But you will sleep. Drug companies push these drugs late on late night tv, go figure.
A prescription will most likely help you fall asleep, however the cost is high in both your wallet and your life. Prescription Anti-Insomnia drugs are expensive and almost always VERY ADDICTIVE. Even newer drugs claiming to be non-habit forming are iffy in my book. Do an online search for these drugs the tv is pimping to you, and find out the good and the bad for yourself before diving in.
Good luck.
Related Resources:
Blifaloo's Guide to Polyphasic and Biphasic Sleep - Maybe normal (monophasic) sleep just isn't for you. Learn about alternate sleeping patterns in this article.
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