Digital Story #6

       I.            Introduction:

For many years people have suffered from a condition called insomnia. Now in basic terms insomnia is a sleeping disorder that does not allow a person to have a good night sleep. However a more scientific definition would be: ‘Habitual sleeplessness; inability to sleep.’ In this presentation I am going to be stating a more elaborate, detailed definition of insomnia as well as discussing some causes and the effect they have on a person who has been diagnosed with insomnia. I am also going to be discussing what the symptoms of insomnia are and how to diagnose insomnia. Moving forward I will be providing some treatment plans and some tips as how to overcome insomnia.

    II.            Description:

There are two types of insomnia, primary and secondary insomnia:

·         Primary insomnia: Primary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems that are not directly associated with any other health condition or problem.

·         Secondary insomnia: Secondary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems because of something else, such as a health condition (like asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn) pain; medication they are taking; or a substance they are using (like alcohol).

Insomnia also varies in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. It can be short-term (acute insomnia) or can last a long time (chronic insomnia). It can also come and go, with periods of time when a person has no sleep problems. Acute insomnia can last from one night to a few weeks. Insomnia is called chronic when a person has insomnia at least three nights a week for a month or longer.

Causes of Insomnia:

Causes of acute insomnia can include:

·         Significant life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving)
·         Illness
·         Emotional or physical discomfort
·         Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep
·         Some medications (for example those used to treat colds allergies, depression, high blood depression, asthma) may interfere with sleep
·         Interferences in normal sleep schedule (jet lag or switching from a day to night shift, for example)

Causes of chronic insomnia include:

·         Depression and/or anxiety.
·         Chronic stress.
·         Pain or discomfort at night

Diagnosing Insomnia:

·         If you think you have insomnia, talk to your health care provider. An evaluation may include a physical exam, a medical history, and a sleep history. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, keeping track of your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day. Your health care provider may want to interview your bed partner about the quantity and quality of your sleep. In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center for special tests.

 

 III.            Disadvantages:

Symptoms of Insomnia:

Symptoms of insomnia can include:

·         Sleepiness during the day
·         General tiredness
·         Irritability
·         Problems with concentration or memory

 

  IV.            Solutions

Treatment for Insomnia:

·         Acute insomnia may not require treatment. Mild insomnia often can be prevented or cured by practicing good sleep habits (see below). If your insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day because you are sleepy and tired, your health care provider may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time. Rapid onset, short-acting drugs can help you avoid effects such as drowsiness the following day. Avoid using over-the-counter sleeping pills for insomnia, because they may have undesired side effects and tend to lose their effectiveness over time.

Treatment for chronic insomnia includes first treating any underlying conditions or health problems that are causing the insomnia. If insomnia continues, your health care provider may suggest behavioral therapy. Behavioral approaches help you to change behaviors that may worsen insomnia and to learn new behaviors to promote sleep. Techniques such as relaxation exercises sleep restriction therapy, and reconditioning may be useful.

Good Sleep Habits for Beating Insomnia:

Good sleep habits, also called sleep hygiene, can help you get a good night's sleep and beat insomnia. Here are some tips:

·         Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Try not to take naps during the day, because naps may make you less sleepy at night.
·         Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and can keep you from falling asleep. Alcohol can cause waking in the night and interferes with sleep quality.
·         Get regular exercise. Try not to exercise close to bedtime, because it may stimulate you and make it hard to fall asleep. Experts suggest not exercising for at least three to four hours before the time you go to sleep.
·         Don't eat a heavy meal late in the day. A light snack before bedtime, however, may help you sleep.
·         Make your bedroom comfortable. Be sure that it is dark, quiet, and not too warm or too cold. If light is a problem, try a sleeping mask. If noise is a problem, try earplugs, a fan, or a "white noise" machine to cover up the sounds.
·         Follow a routine to help you relax before sleep. Read a book, listen to music, or take a bath.
·         Avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep.
·         If you can't fall asleep and don't feel drowsy, get up and read or do something that is not overly stimulating until you feel sleepy.
·         If you find yourself lying awake worrying about things, try making a to-do list before you go to bed. This may help you to not focus on those worries overnight.

    V.            Personal element:

            I have suffered from insomnia in the past especially when it comes to jet lag. I would consider my insomnia as acute since it only affected me over two weeks. I could not sleep at night and would sleep all through the day. I would very be tired when I woke up and very annoyed by my surroundings when I was awake. It was a hard two weeks getting back into the cycle of sleeping through the night and staying awake through the day. I can only imagine how people who are diagnosed with chronic insomnia feel on a week to week basis.

 VI.            Conclusion:

            To conclude I would like to recap the definition of insomnia. Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that cause habitual sleeplessness; inability to sleep. If your are suffering from insomnia or might think that you do please consult a doctor today in order to treat your insomnia to contain your suffering.

Bibliography

·         "Insomnia (Chronic and Acute Insomnia) Causes and Symptoms." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web.

 27 Apr. 2016.