Are you really FREE FROM INSOMNIA?

9 out of 10 Malaysians suffer from certain symptoms of insomnia.

So are you the lucky one out of the ten? But how do we decide if one is suffering from insomnia?

The general definition of insomnia is that it’s a sleep disorder that makes you having difficulty with sleep initiation, maintenance, consolidation, or quality despite adequate time and opportunity with sleep, which in turn result in some form of daytime impairment.

Insomnia can generally last a few days, weeks, or continue long term. Stress, menopause, and certain medical and mental health conditions are common causes of insomnia.

There are 5 different types of insomnia. Each type is characterized by how long it lasts, how it affects your sleep, and the underlying cause.

1. Acute insomnia

Acute insomnia is short-term insomnia that can last from a few days to a few weeks. It’s the most common type of insomnia.

Acute insomnia is also referred to as adjustment insomnia because it usually caused by a change in environment or occur of stressful events.

Some common causes of acute insomnia are as follows:

• New environment and unfamiliarity
• Excessive noise or light
• Extremes of temperature
• Uncomfortable bed or mattress
• Picking up of new role (job or school)
• Relocation to a new place
• Jet lag
• Work deadlines or examinations
• Death of a relative or close friend
• Difficulties in a relationship
• Physical discomfort such as pain
• Acute illness and allergies
• Certain medications
  

2. Chronic insomnia

Insomnia is considered chronic if you experience difficulties in sleeping at least three days a week for at least a month.

There are primary and secondary chronic insomnia. Primary chronic insomnia (idiopathic insomnia), doesn’t have an obvious cause or underlying medical condition.

While secondary insomnia (comorbid insomnia) is more common. It’s chronic insomnia that occurs with another condition.

Common causes of chronic insomnia include the following:

• chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, and obstructive and central sleep apnea
• mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• medications, including chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, and beta blockers
• caffeine and other stimulants, such as alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs
• lifestyle factors, including frequent travel and jet lag, rotating shift work, and napping

3. Onset insomnia

Onset insomnia is trouble initiating sleep. This type of insomnia can be short term or chronic.

Any of the causes of acute and chronic insomnia can make it difficult to fall asleep. Psychological or psychiatric issues are the most common causes and these include stress, anxiety, or depression.

People with chronic onset insomnia often have another sleep disorder, such as restless leg syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder.

Caffeine and other stimulants can also prevent one from falling asleep.

4. Maintenance insomnia

Maintenance insomnia is when one has difficulty staying asleep or waking up too early and can’t go back to sleep. Maintenance insomnia may be caused by chronic medical conditions or psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, or stress.

Some medical conditions that may cause maintenance insomnia are as follows:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease
• sleep apnea
• asthma and other respiratory conditions
• restless leg syndrome
• periodic limb movement disorder
  

5. Behavioral insomnia of childhood

Behavioral insomnia of childhood (BIC) can usually be managed with appropriate behavioral therapy.

Three subtypes of BIC:

• BIC sleep-onset: It can usually be resolved with a few behavioral changes such as creating a healthy sleep routine or learning self-soothing or relaxation techniques. It occurs due to negative associations with sleep, such as needing to go to sleep by being rocked or nursed or watching TV while going to bed.
• BIC limit-setting: This occurs due to the child’s refusal to go to bed.
• BIC combined type: This is a combination of both BIC subtypes.

BIC can generally be resolved with some behavioral changes, such as creating a healthy sleep routine or performing self-soothing or relaxation techniques.

Chronic insomnia may require specialized medication, but mild/acute/short term insomnia can probably be resolved by some natural formulation such as Dozoff.

You deserve to wake up from a restorative sleep, to take on challenges in your new day!