Insomnia is described as inadequate or poor quality sleep
caused by difficulty falling asleep; difficulty staying asleep; waking up
frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep; waking up too
early in the morning; or unrefreshing sleep.
This can result in daytime impairment that may include irritability,
depression or anxiety, memory problems, flawed judgment, poor attention or
focus, increased errors, increased accidents, and many different physical
symptoms. Multiple factors contribute to
all the various types of insomnia.
To help combat insomnia, consider the following factors.
- A
totally dark bedroom room may be very important.
- Bedroom
temperature is a factor in making sleep easier.
- A
comfortable mattress is essential and may need periodic replacing.
- Noise
levels within the house and noise of neighbors can affect sleep.
- Breathing
well is essential to sleeping well.
- Eating
in bed or operating a business out of the bedroom may inhibit sleep.
- Tossing
and turning may increase wakefulness.
- Eating
too much and too close to bedtime can inhibit sleep.
- Too
many naps and afternoon sleeping may affect ability to go to sleep at
night.
- Exercise
in the evening can energize and prevent sleep.
- Obsessing
about problems after going to bed can prevent sleep.
If after trying the above measures that may apply, and
insomnia continues, consider a sleep study.