Chronic Insomnia: a Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Chronic Insomnia: a Guide to
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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13 October, 22

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Insomnia Chronic Insomnia: a Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

On average adults need from 7 to 9 hours of sleep. However, a third of Americans say they get less sleep than recommended. Having a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep is considered insomnia.

Acute insomnia that lasts for a couple of days or weeks can be caused by stressful situations. What is chronic insomnia then? If sleep deprivation occurs more than three nights a week for at least three months, it could be a reason to suspect chronic insomnia disorder.

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What are the Types of Chronic Insomnia?

Chronic insomnia can be primary and secondary. Scientists are not sure what causes primary insomnia, but they think it is related to chemical changes in the brain. They study this condition with the help of specialized MRI brain scans to understand the causes of primary insomnia. Secondary insomnia results from underlying health conditions and life situations. Let’s have a more detailed review of common reasons.

What Causes Chronic Insomnia?

Causes of chronic insomnia can be of different natures:

Lifestyle

Stressful situations and changes in life
Lack of physical activity
Frequent napping during the day
Irregular hours of sleep
Jet lag caused by frequent time zones changes
Working different shifts; working early or late shifts
Overeating in the evening

Medical conditions

Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.)
Medical conditions (diabetes, asthma, chronic pain, endocrine problems, etc.)
Sleep-related disorders (restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, etc.)

Medications and stimulants

Certain antidepressants
Laxatives
Illicit drugs
Diuretics
Stimulants
Caffeine
Alcohol
Nicotine

If chronic insomnia symptoms make it hard for you to function during the day, see a doctor and find out how to treat it.

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Chronic Insomnia Symptoms

People diagnosed with chronic insomnia can face the following symptoms:

Difficulties with falling asleep
Waking up too early
Waking up during the night
Inability to stay asleep or return to sleep
Feeling tired and sleepy after getting up
Inability to nap during the day, even when tired
Constant fatigue
Feeling irritated, depressed, or anxious
Poor memory, lack of attention and concentration
A higher number of mistakes and accidents

How to Treat Chronic Insomnia?

Treatment for chronic insomnia is personalized, depending on the causes and specific symptoms. It may include therapy, medication, or a combination of different interventions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). According to the research, CBT is proven to be effective in treating chronic insomnia. It lets you understand how sleep habits influence your everyday life. You can learn how to change your behavior to help you sleep better. There are CBT-I techniques that are specifically focused on insomnia.
Medications. Different prescription medications (zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, etc.) and over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids (melatonin, diphenhydramine, etc.) are available on the market. They help you sleep better or stay asleep for a longer time.

Before taking them, you should talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter sleep aids for chronic insomnia, such as chamomile tea, valerian root, and others. A consultation will help you avoid side effects or interactions with other medications.

If your chronic insomnia is caused by a medical condition, such as chronic pain or acid reflux, treating the condition may cure it.

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7 Self-Help Tips for Chronic Insomnia

It is also useful to follow these simple yet effective home remedies guidelines:

Avoid using alcohol and nicotine excessively.
Exercise regularly.
Reduce daytime naps.
Reduce caffeine consumption, especially in the second half of the day.
Avoid overeating before bedtime.
Create a dark sleep environment with a comfortable temperature.
Sleep regular hours; set a particular time for going to bed and waking up.

Bottom Line

Sleepless nights happen in everybody’s life, but being attentive to your health is crucial in preventing severe insomnia. Track your symptoms, and if any of them start to negatively affect you, consult clinic professionals and get the help you need.

MEDvidi provides best treatment for insomnia in adults. Contact us and get a personalized treatment plan today.