Insomnia: His/her Sleep Problem

"Insomnia is the inability to obtain adequate amount or quality of sleep. The difficulty can be with falling asleep, remaining asleep, or both" ("Insomnia Encyclopedia"). Sleeping is a major point in physically and mentally restoring yourself for the tasks ahead. Most people say that about eight hours of sleep is an adequate amount, however it differs from person to person depending on their sex, age, and health conditions. An estimated one-third of the population suffers from some form of insomnia. "In recent studies, a survey reported that 30% of American women and 20% of American men took medication to help them sleep during the course of a year" ("Insomnia"). The medications these people took are called hypnotics. The causes of insomnia vary for different situations. "Transient insomnia can be caused by temporary situations like arguments, medical illness and jet lag. On the other hand chronic insomnia has many causes. Sleep apnea, over use of caffeine, anxiety disorders, stress and several other factors. The symptoms of insomnia can be noticed right in the morning. When you wake up and are not feeling refreshed from a nights sleep. A person may have difficulty sleeping, toss and turn for hours or fall asleep easily but are awakened very early in the morning. To diagnose a person with insomnia, a patient may keep a record for two weeks of their sleeping patterns, food intake, exercise, etc., and then a physician can base their diagnosis by the reported signs and symptoms. If an insomnia patient does not respond to treatments then they may have a sleeping disorder that requires a specialist" ("Insomnia Encyclopedia"). Before insomnia even occurs, there are ways that a person can prevent or lessen the effects of it. Exercising regularly would be something a person should do, but not close to bedtime because exercising stimulates arousal. Avoiding caffeine and nicotine, such as coffee, tea, or soda, also helps to prevent insomnia. Going out into

Cited: Chokroverty, Sudhansu. "100 Questions and Answers about Sleep and Sleep Disorders." 2003. Google.(Dec. 14 2004). http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/insomnia.html. (28 November 2004). "Insomnia." Health and Age. 2003. http://www.healthandage.com/Home/?gm=20&gc=26. (28 November 2004). Kinosian, Janet. The Well-Rested Woman: 60 Soothing Suggestions for Getting a Good Night 's Sleep. Conari Press. Morin, Charles M. Relief from Insomnia: Getting the Sleep of Your Dreams. New York: DoubleDay, 1996.