Can't sleep? Doctor explains Insomnia | Causes, symptoms, treatment

In this video, I delve into the often misunderstood world of insomnia, a condition that affects millions of people globally. Insomnia is not merely a few restless nights; for many, it is a chronic issue that disrupts daily life, work, and overall well-being. Understanding insomnia is crucial, not just for those who suffer from it, but for their families and friends who want to support them.

So, what exactly is insomnia? It refers to the difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, despite having the opportunity to rest. This can lead to feeling unrefreshed during the day. Research indicates that one in three adults will experience insomnia symptoms at some point, with around 10% meeting the criteria for an insomnia disorder, characterized by frequent and disruptive symptoms.

Insomnia is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Some individuals may experience acute insomnia, which lasts for a few nights due to stress or changes in routine, while others may struggle with chronic insomnia, which persists for months or even years. Chronic insomnia is recognized as a medical condition in its own right.

Insomnia can be categorized in two primary ways: by duration and by cause. Acute insomnia lasts for days or weeks, while chronic insomnia occurs at least three times a week for three months or longer. Additionally, insomnia can be classified as primary, occurring independently, or secondary, linked to other medical conditions, medications, or mental health issues.

The symptoms of insomnia can significantly impact both nighttime sleep and daytime functioning. Common symptoms include:

- Trouble falling asleep (initial insomnia)

- Waking up during the night and having difficulty returning to sleep (middle insomnia)

- Waking up too early (late insomnia)

During the day, individuals may experience fatigue, low energy, poor concentration, irritability, and reduced performance in daily tasks. Over time, chronic insomnia can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

The causes of insomnia are multifaceted and can include:

- Stress from work, relationships, or major life changes

- Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression

- Medical issues such as chronic pain, acid reflux, or asthma

- Lifestyle habits, including irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time, and lack of physical activity

- Environmental factors like noise and light

- Genetic predispositions, where some individuals naturally require less sleep or are more susceptible to sleep disturbances

Complications from persistent insomnia can be severe, leading to sleep deprivation, which affects both physical and mental health. Long-term consequences may include:

- Increased risk of depression and anxiety

- High blood pressure

- Greater likelihood of heart attack and stroke

- Obesity and type 2 diabetes

- Increased risk of accidents due to impaired alertness

Diagnosing insomnia is not straightforward, as there is no single test. Healthcare providers typically use a combination of approaches, including a detailed sleep history, sleep diaries, and sometimes wrist-worn devices to monitor sleep patterns. In certain cases, an overnight sleep study may be recommended to rule out other sleep disorders.

Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for insomnia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, helping individuals change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors related to sleep. CBT has been shown to be more effective long-term than medications and is recommended by major clinical guidelines.

Improving sleep hygiene is another critical aspect of treatment. This includes:

- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

- Limiting screen time and caffeine before bed

- Creating a calm, dark, and cool sleep environment

- Avoiding long daytime naps

In some cases, short-term medications may be prescribed, especially for acute insomnia or when other treatments have not been effective. These can include benzodiazepines or drugs like zolpidem. However, it is essential to use medications cautiously due to potential side effects and the risk of dependence. Non-medical options should always be explored first, and medications should be used for the shortest duration possible.

Living with insomnia can be daunting, but the good news is that it is treatable. Many individuals find improvement through a combination of behavioral strategies, therapy, and, if necessary, medication. The key is to identify the underlying causes of poor sleep and take a structured approach to address them.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep, it’s vital to seek help from a healthcare professional. You don’t have to endure this alone; early intervention can prevent long-term complications. To assist you further, I’ve created a six-step guide to help you sleep better, which you can find in the video linked below.

Thank you for joining me in this exploration of insomnia. Remember, understanding and addressing sleep issues is a crucial step toward better health and well-being. Until next time, take care and sleep well.

Links:

- Six-step guide to better sleep: [insert link here]