Tossing and turning all night long can be quite exhausting. In fact, having problems falling or staying asleep is a common condition for many people. The condition is known as insomnia and it is a chronic problem. It might last one month or even longer. However, if left untreated, insomnia might have some dangerous consequences. So, some of the most common issues people who have insomnia have to deal with are headaches, lowered immunity, irritability, and back pain. Having poor sleep quality and not sleeping enough may have a serious effect on your life and overall health.
Therefore, if you’re dealing with insomnia, it is crucial to know what causes it and how to treat it properly. The most important thing you can do is make a doctor’s appointment. But before that, there are numerous things you should know about insomnia and how to treat it.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Insomnia and How to Treat It
The Link Between Insomnia and Depression
There is a very strong connection between bad sleep and depression. Thus, depression can cause or be triggered by insomnia. It has been proved that insomnia might lead not only to depression but also panic and anxiety disorder. So, it is crucial that both these conditions are treated simultaneously for better results.
You Might Be Prone to Insomnia
What you probably didn’t know about this condition is that you’re probably predisposed to it. Being prone to insomnia usually means that you either grew up having bad “sleep hygiene”, such as an inconsistent bedtime routine, or there is a biological reason for it. Fortunately, there are various methods which can help you fix these issues and get your sleep back. One of the most effective treatments is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which can help retrain your brain.
Natural Remedies May or May Not Help
You have probably heard before that there are many soothing drinks which can help you sleep better and longer. Some of the most powerful natural remedies are herbal teas, such as chamomile tea. These cures usually help due to their placebo effect which causes a sleepy feeling. However, these natural cures only work for some individuals. So, they are good if they work for you. Give it a try and see if they help you get your sleep back.
Popping Pills Isn’t the Answer
One of the first things people, who deal with insomnia, do is taking sleeping pills. However, this is completely wrong and won’t get you anywhere. Medications might help at first, but they lose their effect when used in the long-term. Instead of just popping pills, make some crucial changes, such as:
- having the same sleeping routine, even at weekends;
- keeping your bedroom dark and cool;
- staying away from caffeine up to 12 hours before bed;
- doing regular physical exercises;
- taking naps, but keep them to an hour or less;
The “Two P’s.”
If you have been sleeping well and haven’t dealt with insomnia before, this sudden condition is usually a result of two factors- the precipitating cause and the perpetuating cause. The precipitating cause is usually a stressful event which triggered an initial disruption of sleep. On the other hand, the perpetuating cause is the reason why insomnia kept going, even after that stressful event has passed. These causes can be due to different reasons, for example for the upcoming test or the journey you’re about to undertake.