The body is an ever working machine that needs a brief period to cool off and recharge. That's when a good night's sleep comes in. However, there are some people who just can't seem to toggle that sleep switch for a couple of reasons including stress and disease. This level of constant sleep deprivation is called Insomnia, and if you have this problem, you're an insomniac.
Before I continue,it's important as always to hit you with some statistics first:
The central for disease control and prevention says that 7 to 9 hours of sleep is what's needed by an
adult to fully rejuvenate his or her system.
Unfortunately, about 25% of the population develop insomnia but 75% out of the 25% of them don't develop it as a long term disorder.
If you're not really a mathematician, let me put it into perspective. It means that if there are a hundred people in total, 25 people have insomnia and about 19 of them don't really have it as a long term problem.
Why did I bring up these statistics? I brought them up just so you can know you're completely not alone.
What causes Insomnia?
Insomnia can arise as a result of stress and work related issues which usually clears out eventually or it could be as a result of a medical condition which would only go away if you seek professional help.
Not caught up yet? Okay, let me break it down more
1. If you work shifts; let's say you were working night shifts before which of course requires you to be awake at night and then suddenly you start working day shifts. The body isn't used to sleep deprivation and doesn't adjust to the new body clock setting, so you'll find it hard to sleep at night.
2. The environment would always be a strong factor over how much sleep you get. Don't believe me? Try sleeping near a construction site.
3. if you occasionally have terrible dreams anytime you sleep, the brain, is fit to protect you. It won't let you fall asleep and go back to that horrible dream.
4.Worry "Oh no, what are my kids going to wear to church on Sunday? I haven't visited grandma all year, I hope I get that contract. What if a meteor hits me?" Well, while all those are genuine concerns (maybe except for the last one), the brain doesn't rest until it has a plausible answer and solution to those problems. If the thoughts happen to creep in at night, forget about sleeping.
5. The use of drugs such as ectasy, cocaine and even coffee.
6. Depression can be a cause of insomnia.
7. For the women; if you're in the stage of menopause, rapid hormonal changes can disrupt your sleeping or in most cases prevent you from sleeping.
8. Some people have a very rare genetic disorder known as fatal familal insomnia which prevents sleep. it could end up becoming life threatening.
9. if you have a habit of using phones and computers, the blue light they emit can interfere with the sleep hormone responsible for making you fall asleep. That's why most phones have a feature called "eye care".
Effects Of Insomnia
1. Here's a scary/chilling fact about insomnia; if you don't sleep for 11 days straight, you will sleep forever (if you know what I mean). This should be one of the things you should have at the back of your mind anytime you're sleep deprived.
2. It will make your immune system weaker and more susceptible to diseases.
3. It can cause you to have irregular periods or irregular menstrual flow.
4. You won't be very productive at work because the sleep deprivation will affect your cognitive abilities.
5. Gastrointestinal issues will occur.
6. It could lead to mental disorders such as depression, irritability and low self esteem.
7. Insomnia can lead you to take drugs to help you sleep. Not only are they bad for the health, you could stand a chance of an overdose.
8. Chronic sleep deprivation could lead to high blood pressure which could be fatal.
In other words, sleep is good. Insomnia is bad.
If you're sufering from insomnia, I will advise you to exercise regularly, eat healthy and don't drink too many caffinated products like coffee and soda.
Try to reduce your phone usage during bed time, quit worrying, tomorrow will sort itself out. Worrying about it won't change anything and best of all; don't use SLEEPING PILLS.
If you try all of this and you're still having trouble sleeping, it's time to see a doctor.
