Insomnia by Rebecca J
Insomnia is a medical condition that makes it hard for the sufferer to fall asleep, and once asleep, they may find it hard to stay asleep, and may wake up every few hours. Many people suffer from insomnia at some point in their life, but this is normally for a short time, and usually occurs after a time of stress, such as the death of a relative.
However, some people suffer from chronic insomnia, which is when the condition lasts for a long time. This is most common in older people, but people of all ages can suffer from it too. When you suffer from chronic insomnia, your whole life can be disrupted. Not only do you find it hard to fall asleep at night, but you often find yourself waking up at odd times and, of course, you become tired all the time, which can affect your performance at school or work.
Although if you suffer from insomnia you may feel that there is no reason for the condition, you may be wrong. Many causes have been found for chronic insomnia. It may be that you suffer from another condition, such as asthma, arthritis, or back pain which is disturbing your sleep. Stress is also a major cause. Stress itself can be caused by many things. Teenagers or students may be under pressure due to exams. People who are in occupations that involve shift work are also prone to stress. People, who take stimulants or alcohol, or who have been using sleeping tablets for a long time, are also prone to insomnia. Even something as simple as not doing enough exercise can contribute to insomnia.
There are many things you can do to make it easier to fall asleep. Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol are all things which make it harder for you to sleep, so these substances should be avoided just before you go to bed. Regular exercise can also help. Many doctors also recommend having a milky drink or a warm bath before going to bed, and advise against daytime naps.
Once in bed, if you can’t get to sleep within half an hour, get up. Do something relaxing – read a book or listen to some music – until you feel sleepy. It is also important that your bed and bedroom are comfortable.
If your insomnia lasts for a long time, and none of the above suggestions help, you should visit your GP. You can also contact the British Sleep Foundation at:
The British Sleep Foundation,
10 Cabot Square,
Canary Wharf,
London E14 4QB,
tel: 020 7345 3458,
