Based on the duration of symptoms, insomnia is classified as transient, chronic and intermittent.
- Insomnia is transient if the symptoms are for less than two weeks
- It is chronic if the symptoms are present for about a month, and
- It is intermittent when repetitive episodes of transient insomnia occur
In short term insomnia the prognosis is very good. But chronic insomnia can sometimes be difficult to tackle.
Insomnia is often a symptom of another underlying problem. Illness, depression, anxiety, stress, poor sleeping environment, caffeine, abuse, alcoholism, heavy smoking, physical discomfort, daytime napping, certain medical conditions, and other sleeping habits like going to bed early, and excessive time spent awake in bed are common factors associated with insomnia.
Symptoms of insomnia include-
- Lack of adequate sleep
- Difficulty with falling asleep or staying asleep
- Intermittent wakefulness
- Early-morning awakening
Treatment of insomnia-
- Being mindful about sleep habits and learning to relax helps an individual with insomnia sleep and feel better.
- Most cases of insomnia can be cured with lifestyle changes, without relying on sleep specialists or turning to prescription or over-the-counter sleeping pills.
