Acute Insomnia

This is defined as periods of sleep loss that last from between one night and a few weeks. Acute insomnia can often be caused by emotional worries and anxiety or physical discomfort. Some common examples include:

Significant life stress, such as bereavement or marital breakdown Acute illness, or Environmental disturbances such as noise, light or temperature

Jet lag also counts as acute insomnia.

Chronic insomnia

This is defined as periods of sleep loss that occur for at least three nights per week for one month or longer. Chronic insomnia can be caused by various different factors acting on their own or in combinations. These factors may occur along with other health problems.

Insomnia associated with psychiatric, medical or neurological disorders

Psychiatric disorders are a common source of chronic insomnia, however they account for less than 50 percent of cases. Anxiety and mood disorders are the most common psychiatric conditions that are associated with insomnia. Insomnia is also associated with a wide range of medical and neurological disorders.

Factors that cause problems throughout the day such as pain, immobility, breathing difficulties, dementia, and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or menopause can also cause insomnia. Many medical disorders worsen at night such as asthma or acid reflux which is worsened by lying down.

Insomnia associated with medication and substance use

A variety of prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs can lead to wakefulness and poor-quaity sleep. Some drugs, legal and non-legal, that are commonly related to insomnia include:

• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Stimulating antidepressants
• Steroids
• Some over the counter cold and flu remedies
• Beta blockers
• Recreational drugs such as ecstasy, amphetamines and cocaine

Insomnia associated with specific sleep disorders

Insomnia can be associated with specific sleep disorders including:

• Sleep apnea
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
• Circadian rhythm sleep disorders such as jet lag

Primary Insomnia

When other causes of insomnia have been investigated and ruled out, difficulty with sleep may be classified as primary insomnia. Factors such as chronic stress, hyper-arousal and behavioral conditioning may be contributors to Primary Insomnia.

Sleep patterns do alter as we get older with older, people tending to sleep more lightly. As our bodies age our quality of sleep becomes poorer and becomes lighter, less efficient and less restful.Your physician or other practitioner may prescribe insomnia medication to help you get to sleep, commonly known as sleeping tablets.

By Christopher Ruane

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