Sleep difficulty, which is also known as dyssomnia, can include a range of
problems such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking during the night,
and waking up too early in the morning. Dyssomnia can cause difficulty concentrating
and drowsiness during the day.
As many as 1 in 4 Americans experience occasional sleep difficulty, and up
to 10% experience chronic problems with dyssomnia. Long-term sleep difficulty
can make it very difficult for the sufferer to perform their daily responsibilities
as well as impair their ability to enjoy life.
Everyone is different, and the right amount of sleep varies from person to
person. While one person may only need about 5 hours of sleep per night, another
may need 10. The signs that someone is not getting enough sleep include:
- Feeling unrefreshed upon waking.
- Drowsiness throughout the day.
- Inability to concentrate or focus.
- Irritability.
Insomnia can be linked to other problems including depression, anxiety, and
sleep apnea, so it is important to consult a physician if sleep difficulty
is chronic and seriously detrimental.
Author: Nan Little
Website: http://www.insightjournal.com/
Research shows that sleep difficulty can be caused by multiple
factors. Anxiety and stress, an uncomfortable sleep environment, too
much activity, jet lag, depression, and illness are just some of the
potential factors explored here.
What are the steps to diagnosing a sleep disorder? Find out what your
healthcare professional will need to learn in order to determine
whether you just experience occasional sleeplessness or if you have a
serious sleep disorder.
What type of person develops a sleep disorder? Learn more about what
researchers have discovered, including temperament and triggers, the
‘gender factor’ as well as family history.
There are several different types of insomnia that a person can
experience. Acute insomnia, chronic insomnia and primary insomnia share
similar characteristics, but they are each caused by different factors.
Find out more about the individual types of insomnia here.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with insomnia have treatment
options available to them. Creating a sleep schedule and practicing
good sleep hygiene are often recommended first. Medication to treat
insomnia and prescription treatments for secondary conditions such as
anxiety and depression are also available. Complementary and
Alternative Medicines (CAM) are available for sleep difficulty as well.