Insomnia is the inability to sleep or stay asleep, also referred to as inadequate sleep hygiene. In normal adults, the average amount of sleep is generally eight to nine hours and increases as age decreases, with infants requiring up to 18 hours of sleep per day. The cause of insomnia varies according to the individual’s daily activity, alcohol or caffeine consumption and the amount of stress in one’s life. Insomnia treatments are available in the form of medications, cognitive therapy modifications, or home remedies.
Medication used to assist with falling asleep, whether over-the-counter or prescribed by a physician is common in the adult population. People who are having difficulty with sleep patterns rely on physician’s to assist them in abnormal sleep patterns to prevent residual effects from occurring the following day, such as falling asleep at work or during school. A doctor will inform the patient to cut back on caffeine, alcohol and deter from taking unnecessary naps during the day to help with better sleep patterns at night.
Cognitive therapy modifications are another form of treatment to assist patients with insomnia. By retraining a thought process, such as “I can’t fall asleep,” the mind will reprogram to “I can fall asleep.” Cognitive therapy focuses on the misconceptions of sleep and how an individual can actually cause a disturbance in sleep patterns through thought processes.
Home remedies are an invaluable source when struggling with insomnia. Taking a warm bath, reading, listening to music, yoga and exercise are just a few simple tasks to help slow the body down into relaxation. When the body is relaxed, it is easier to fall asleep. A few other options to assist with good sleep hygiene include choosing the right mattress, with firm recommended. If all else fails, the old-fashioned techniques such as drinking warm milk or counting sheep is always an option. Know the early signs of pregnancy insomnia or terminal insomnia disorder treatments.