What type of insomnia do you have?

Insomnia can be characterized as difficulty falling or staying asleep. Insomnia can have a major impact on both your mental and physical health.

There are many different types of insomnia. There are many types of insomnia. Each has its own symptoms, causes and treatments.

Acute Insomnia

Acute insomnia is an acute sleep disorder lasting a few days to a couple of weeks. Stress, anxiety or major life changes, like a job or move, are usually the cause. In most cases, acute insomnia resolves itself on its own. If it persists beyond a few days, you may need to consult a medical professional.

Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia is defined by difficulty sleeping at least three times a week, for a minimum of one month. It can be caused by a number of factors and causes, such as medical conditions, medications and lifestyle habits.

Chronic insomnia is further divided into primary chronic insomnia and second chronic insomnia.

Primary chronic insomnia is defined as a condition that is not caused by a known medical condition or medication. It is an independent condition. Stress, anxiety or poor sleeping habits are common causes. These can be treated by making lifestyle changes such as practicing relaxation techniques or improving sleep hygiene.

A medical condition can cause secondary chronic insomnia. Examples include depression, chronic illness, asthma and heart disease. Secondary insomnia is treated by treating the underlying cause and its symptoms. Secondary insomnia is also a possible side effect from certain medications such as beta-blockers or antidepressants.

Maintenance Insomnia and Onset Insomnia

Insomnia is classified into two categories: onset insomnia and maintenance insomnia.

Onset insomnia is a term used to describe difficulty falling asleep in the beginning of the night. Stress, anxiety or physical discomfort are common causes of onset insomnia. Relaxation techniques, cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, or avoiding it late in the evening are all possible treatment strategies.

You may experience maintenance insomnia if you have trouble staying asleep after you fall asleep, or you wake up too early. It is usually linked to medical conditions like sleep apnea or GERD. Other causes include asthma, restless legs syndrome, and an overactive urinary bladder. The recovery process is usually focused on treating the underlying problem and any symptoms that may be associated.

When to See a Sleep Doctor

Situational factors such as stress or travel can cause difficulty sleeping for several days or even weeks. If your insomnia lasts longer than a week, or is affecting your ability to function, you should consult a sleep specialist who can diagnose and treat your underlying cause.

A sleep specialist will perform an in-depth evaluation of your medical background, lifestyle and sleeping habits to identify the cause of your insomnia. Then, they will create a customized treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or any other treatments that can help you sleep better.

It may seem daunting, but poor sleep can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. This can also increase your chances of being involved in a car crash or having trouble performing your job.

Helping yourself with insomnia can help you improve your health, and take back control over your sleep schedule.