Conquering Insomnia
Insomnia is classified as a sleep disorder that occurs when you struggle for more than a half hour to fall asleep or wake up in the middle of the night or early morning and can’t get back to sleep. Remarkably, some people with insomnia average only 15 to 20 hours of sleep a week. Insomnia can last a few days or longer, but even a short-term sleep deficit can affect your wellbeing and cause you to feel irritable.
Why can’t you sleep?
You may lose sleep for a number of reasons. Stress is the No. 1 cause of short-term insomnia, but physical factors may also be to blame. Pain from arthritis, backache or other discomforts can make it a challenge to sleep peacefully. For women, hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause or the menstrual cycle can keep you up at night.
Other culprits include noise, too much caffeine and keeping irregular hours. Shift workers and travelers who frequently cross time zones can have trouble battling biological rhythms to get a good night’s sleep.
Get zzzs with ease
The best way to treat insomnia is to address what’s causing it. Consider these simple lifestyle adjustments:
- Keep regular sleep hours.
- Avoid stimulants such as coffee, caffeinated
beverages and nicotine.
- Avoid alcohol, which can rob you of deep sleep
- Get regular exercise, which can help you
sleep more soundly.
- Keep nighttime snacks small. Large meals right
before bedtime can keep you up.
- Curb your fluid intake late in the day if you have
problems getting back to sleep after using the bathroom.
Treating your insomnia
If you still have problems sleeping after making lifestyle changes, get help before insomnia ruins your days as well as your nights. Don’t let getting a good night’s sleep turn into a nightmare.
If you can't snooze, you loose!
For more information and to get help today, contact Northside Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Centers. To make an appointment:
Atlanta: (404) 851-8135
Forsyth: (770) 844-3293
Cherokee: (770) 720-5112
