What are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia?
We all need to get an adequate amount of sleep. When we sleep our bodies get the chance to rest and make repairs. When we are awake our brains get a great deal of input from our senses, and when we sleep, our brains record and sort out the data we’ve received, discarding some of it. How much sleep we need depends on a variety of factors including age; for most people the amount needed is about seven hours of each twenty-four hours.
When a person sets aside enough time to sleep and is not disturbed by such things as loud noises, and yet still has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, this condition is called insomnia. It affects almost all of us at least occasionally. Many suffer at times from what is called temporary or transient insomnia, in which the sleep disruption goes on for a period of days or weeks. This is usually caused by stress of some kind, such as worry about an upcoming exam. When difficulty with falling asleep or staying asleep persists over a long period of time, this is called chronic insomnia, and is a problem for a much smaller quantity of people. For a few unfortunates, chronic insomnia is a lifelong affliction. Insomnia side effects can range from minor inconveniences to much more serious problems.
The more minor side effects of insomnia include personality changes such as increased irritability, a general feeling of tiredness, difficulty with concentration, and slower reflexes. These effects, while not serious in themselves if they are not chronic, can lead to other more serious problems. For example, the insomnia side effect of having slower reflexes can lead to having a traffic accident on the way to work after a sleepless night. Increased irritability can lead to marital problems and other relationship conflicts.
The more serious side effects of insomnia include depression, which can be severe enough to lead to suicide, and a weakened immune system, which can cause people to get infections and illnesses more easily. With prolonged insomnia, it is possible for people to have heart problems or even experience hallucinations.
If a person feels sleepy during the daytime or wakes up without a feeling of refreshment, these insomnia side effects are a good indication some treatment for insomnia is in order. Fortunately there are several effective ones, ranging from avoidance of certain foods before going to sleep, establishing a regular bedtime routine, and increased exercise.
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