Recognizing Insomnia
Insomnia is the inability to sleep and/or to remain asleep for reasonable periods of time. Insomniacs complain of being unable to close their eyes or unable to stop their mind from racing for more than a few minutes at a time. Insomnia is a “symptom” caused by a “sleep disorder” and other causes which may include fear, stress, anxiety, depression, medications, physical pain, a common side-effect of some medication, dietary allergy, poor hygiene and an overactive mind.

Types of Insomnia

• Transient - lasting from one night to a few weeks
• Acute - the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of three weeks to six months
• Chronic - inconsistent sleep nightly for one month

Common causes of Insomnia
Primary insomnia is sleeplessness that is not attributable to a medical or environmental cause. Secondary insomnia means that there may be health problems causing sleep pattern disturbances such as anxiety, depression, and menopause.

Insomnia is a common neurotransmitter-related condition. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay signals between nerve cells, called “neurons”. They are present throughout the body and a balance of these neurotransmitters is required for proper brain and body functions. Prescription drugs that are used to treat insomnia provide relief by working with the existing neurotransmitters but do not alter the overall neurotransmitter supply, because they fail to bring the levels into proper balance.

GETTING HELP
Let us help you to understand your illness.