How To Sleep Better

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a condition in which you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Insomnia can be a short term problem (acute) or a permanent problem (chronic). Note that insomnia is not just the problem of falling asleep, it also includes the problem of staying asleep.

There are two types of insomnia, primary insomnia and secondary insomnia. If insomnia is an effect, that means it is caused by something else, it is secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia means that the problem can not be attributed to a medical, environmental or any other cause. In many cases, it is not clear if someone suffers from primary or secondary insomnia. But around 80% of the insomnia cases are classified as secondary insomnia.

Insomnia can also be short term, acute insomnia, or ongoing, chronic insomnia. Most people have suffered from acute insomnia. It is not a problem if it happens once in a while and disappears after a day or two. But if the insomnia problem starts to happen frequently, then it is a health problem. Chronic insomnia is, of course, a serious health problem.

Needless to say, insomnia can cause a number of problems. Occasional sleeping problems can make you tired, making it difficult to focus, easily make you upset and other similar problems. But once you are back to your normal sleeping habits, the problems disappear. Chronic insomnia can on the other hand cause serious health problems. Depressions are often caused due lack of sleep.

If you have trouble getting a good night of sleep, in most cases it is best not to take any action in the beginning. Often the problem disappears as quickly as it occurred. Unfortunately, in some cases the problem does not go away by itself. Try to find out what is causing the sleeping problem. Too much stress often causes insomnia. If the cause can be identified, try to fix the cause rather than symptom. Plenty medication is available but as long term solution, medication has many drawbacks.