Insomnia

Insomnia and its Symptoms
Insomnia is an abnormal sleeping pattern or the incapacity to achieve quality sleep. It causes the failure of one's restoration of strength and energy as well as the attainment of rest. The truth is that insomnia is more of a symptom rather than an illness.

People with insomnia, commonly called insomniacs, are agitated and uncomfortable during bedtime, causing them to have difficulty closing their eyes and maintaining a peaceful mind. Some of them can take a nap but have difficulty of sustaining it. When it is time to sleep, they are easily disturbed even by the slightest noise resulting in difficulty regaining sleep.

Insomnia is categorized depending on how long an individual experiences it. There is a type of insomnia that is short term--- this is prevalent among young adults who have experienced problems or who have indulged themselves in activities that caused them to have irregular sleeping habits. Short-term insomnia is typically experienced for two to four nights. Periodic insomnia, on the other hand, happens at irregular intervals. It is intermittently experienced for up to 21 days. Meanwhile, chronic insomnia is on-going, continuing, and habitual. Of the three types of insomnia, this is the worst. Chronic insomnia lasts for not less than 21 days and leads to a severe psychiatric disorder.

Since insomniacs are enervated due to lack of rest at night, they have red eyes with eyeballs that appear to be popping out of their sockets. They will have two heavy and black lumps just below their eyes. They will be sloppy due to the lack of energy to fix themselves or to even care about fixing themselves. Thus, insomniacs are extremely sleepy, inactive, irritated, and uncomfortable during daytime.

Causes/Risk Factors
When people who have poor psychological condition is struck by too much anxiety, their neurons' control over the organs of the body responsible for sleeping deviates from normal. This deviation becomes physical in the form of insomnia. Apart from anxiety, another cause of insomnia is withdrawal from certain medications a patient was using to cure his disease. Since these drugs might have insomnia-inducing substance, they have caused sleeping disorder for some. In addition, insomniacs' conditions are also aggravated by dour surroundings, stressful works, and bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.

Treatment
There are many kinds of insomnia based on their causes and stages. Usually, a case of insomnia is the result of a combination of one or more causes. It is necessary to know why one is an insomniac because the causes serve as the basis for treatment. Because of these varying factors, each insomniac has a unique treatment program for his or her own needs.

Simple insomnia can easily be remedied.  By simply making the bedroom's ambiance more relaxing, comfortable, and well-ventilated, sustained sleep may be achieved. Sometimes, a glass of warm milk greatly helps. Reflection also sets mind at peace, which helps a lot in preparing for a good evening rest. Be reminded that insomnia can get periodic and habitual if neglected.

Since the cause of insomnia can either be a physical or a psychological illness, it is best for insomniacs, especially those with more severe cases, to seek medical advice. Usually, patients are asked to keep a journal of or to jot down notes on how they feel and what they think of for each night that they cannot sleep. More often than not, they also undergo physical exams to check if their sleeping disorder is due to a more serious health problem.

From the findings, a specific program will be designed to aid the patient's recovery. If the cause is behavioral, modifications will be applied. Pills are also given to induce sleep to patients. Insomniacs should be cautious in taking these sleeping drugs so that they will not become dependent to it. 

Prevention
There is no best way to prevent insomnia but to keep one self physically and mentally fit. As such, healthy lifestyle is a must. This does not only help people avoid anxiety but is the best weapon against it. In addition, one should abstain from cigarettes, alcohol, soda, and coffee.  It is suggested to avoid drinking coffee from 12:00 noon onwards so that enough sleep can be achieved. Exercise must also be regular to promote better circulation of blood and healthy function of neurons. Maintenance of a good sleeping routine is encouraged. Thus, it is better to refrain from participating in activities or events that are scheduled during bedtime. If it is time to sleep, then sleep, otherwise don't.  It is also advised not to take a nap during daytime especially from 3:00 pm onwards, that is, if one's sleeping routine is from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am.