Insomnia is a common complaint that is typically a symptom of a larger problem. Insomnia is a condition where a person has a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep, or not sleeping well. Any number of factors, such as aging, stress, and alcoholism, can cause sleeplessness.The degree of insomnia is dependent upon how long the symptoms have been occurring. Short-term insomnia, also called transient insomnia is typically caused by temporary factors such as jet lag or stress. Physical pain, noise, or room temperatures are other possible causes of short-term insomnia. Most of the time, transient insomnia goes away on its own when the factors causing it to disappear.
Long-term, or chronic insomnia, can be caused by a mental disorder or simple anxiety and depression. This type of sleeplessness is typically classified as long-term when it lasts for more than three weeks. Physiological disorders such as sleep apnea, asthma, and chronic fatigue syndrome can also cause chronic insomnia.
Symptoms of insomnia can include problems with memory, focus and concentration, or even poor motor control. Sufferers of insomnia can experience difficulty in social and work situations due to irritability.
There are many prescription and over-the-counter medications available to treat sleeplessness, but there are also natural remedies that can provide relief. Relaxation methods such as yoga and visualization are extremely effective. Practicing these techniques about a half hour before bedtime can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Avoiding caffeine and sugar before bed is a good bet, as both can wreak havoc on your sleep. There are certain foods that will promote sleep, such as foods containing tryptophan (turkey), or carbohydrates (crackers), and foods rich in magnesium, like almonds and whole grains.
Aromatherapy oils of English lavender, ylang ylang, and chamomile are useful in promoting deep sleep. Adding drops of the oil to a warm bath or creating a small sachet to place under your pillow will help you feel relaxed and refreshed.