Insomnia!!

Insomnia is difficulty getting to sleep or difficulty in staying asleep long enough to feel refreshed the next morning.

Causes of Insomnia

• Stress and anxiety
• A poor sleep environment
• Lifestyle factors
• Mental health conditions such as depression
• Physical health conditions

Medical Causes of Insomnia
Examples

• Nasal/sinus allergies
• Gastrointestinal problems such as reflux
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Chronic pain
• Low back pain

Insomnia can also be a symptom of underlying sleep disorders. For example restless leg syndrome: a neurological condition in which a person has an uncomfortable sensation of needing to move his or her legs.

If you have trouble sleeping on a regular basis. It is advised that you review your health and lifestyle to see if there is an underlying medical issues and disorders which can contribute to your sleep problems.

How long do I have to sleep?
There is no guideline to how long your sleep has to take, but an average amount to be considered is between six to eight hours at night.

What can I do?
You can help yourself have a good night sleep if you have insomnia by doing the following.

• Setting regular time for going to bed and waking up
• Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or heavy meals few hours before bed time.
• Not watching TV or using phones
• Not napping during the day
• Make a list of worries and ideas before going to bed. Writing them down, would help remove them from your mind