People of all ages are affected by insomnia. Tossing, turning, and losing sleep can have serious health effects. So why are you losing sleep? Let’s find out with Diag!

1. What Is Insomnia?

Difficulty sleeping and the accompanying fatigue affect your quality of life and your work. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you suffer from an insomnia disorder, you will have difficulty falling asleep or it causes you to wake up early and not be able to go back to sleep.

Sleep disorders are divided into two main categories, long-term insomnia and short-term sleep disorders.

Acute Insomnia Disorder (Short Term)

Typically, adults experience short-term insomnia, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. According to some studies, about 15% to 20% of adults will experience short-term insomnia any number of times a year.

Short-term insomnia is often caused by external causes such as work stress or sudden events such as divorce or the death of a loved one.

When insomnia persists for a month or more, you may have progressed to a more severe stage of a long-term insomnia disorder.

Chronic Insomnia (Long-Term)

It is considered a long-term insomnia disorder when you have insomnia lasting 3 months or more, experienced at least 3 times a week or repeated for many years. Unlike short-term insomnia, people with long-term insomnia will be tired during the day and have reduced concentration. About 10% of adults are estimated to suffer from long-term insomnia.

Long-term insomnia often occurs when you suffer too much pressure from work, school, society, or family. In addition, chronic insomnia can also occur due to a change in time zones or eating too late in the evening.

2. What Age Usually Suffers From Insomnia?

Although there is no specific reason for insomnia, the following people need to pay attention because they are high risk:

– Older people over 60 years old: Changes in health and sleep structure can lead to the development of an insomnia disorder.

– Women: Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, especially menopause, have a significant impact on sleep because women may experience sudden sweating or hot flashes. Pregnant women are also prone to insomnia.

– Light sleepers who wake up easily due to outside influences.

– People suffering from anxiety disorders.

– Those inflicted with mental or physical health disorders.

– People with irregular schedules/sleep cycles.

– Individuals consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.

– Close relatives of someone with insomnia.

3. What Are The Signs Of Insomnia Disorder?

When you experience insomnia, you will have the following symptoms:

– Difficulty sleeping or not sleeping deeply.

– Waking up unexpectedly early.

Over time, trouble sleeping may have the following effects:

– Tiredness.

– Effects on concentration/memory.

– Reduced work productivity.

– Easily irritated.

– Making mistakes easily.

Adults will be diagnosed with insomnia if it takes more than 30 minutes to fall asleep or if they regularly awaken in the middle of the night.

4. What To Do To Limit Insomnia Disorder?

To limit insomnia disorders and help you sleep more deeply, you will need to:

– Maintain a fixed timeframe for going to bed and waking up, including weekends.

– Be active in trying to improve the quality of your sleep.

– Check to see if any medications you are taking are causing insomnia.

– Keep the bedroom neat and clean and only use it for sleeping or intimacy.

Create a routine before bed, such as taking a hot bath, reading a book, or listening to soft music.

– Keep the bedroom dark and completely quiet.

– Avoid or minimize naps.

– Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.

– Avoid or limit overeating before bedtime.

– Do not watch electronic devices before going to bed.

– Do not check the clock to check the time you fall asleep.

If you have insomnia or too much difficulty falling asleep, you need to make an appointment with your doctor. Through the questions asked, the doctor will understand your condition and, if necessary, combine tests to determine the specific cause.

                                                                                                                                                                                 Source: Mayo Clinic, Sleep Foundation

* The article was written in consultation with medical experts from Diag. However, the above information is for reference only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Before taking action based on the information provided, please get advice from a medical professional.

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