Severe Insomnia
What Is Severe Insomnia?
Severe insomnia is a chronic sleep disorder that prevents people from getting enough restorative sleep. People suffering from this condition experience difficulty in sleeping and/or staying asleep. It can cause extreme daytime fatigue, decrease in cognitive functioning, and hopelessness. Severe insomnia is diagnosed if the person has difficulty sleeping for three nights per week over the course of three months.
What Causes Severe Insomnia?
Severe insomnia is caused by a variety of factors, including stress, medications, and certain medical conditions. Other factors that may contribute to insomnia include caffeine consumption, smoking, and alcohol use. People who are prone to anxiety and depression are particularly susceptible to developing severe insomnia.
Signs and Symptoms of Severe Insomnia
The following are common symptoms of severe insomnia:
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Lack of energy throughout the day
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability, restlessness, and depression
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
- Stomach aches, headaches, and other physical ailments
Treatment of Severe Insomnia
There are many ways to treat severe insomnia. Most treatments focus on lifestyle changes or cognitive behavior therapy. Common treatment options include:
- Making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
- Exercising regularly and avoiding excessive physical activity late in the day
- Setting a regular sleep-wake schedule and sticking to it
- Reducing stress and anxiety with relaxation exercises or meditation
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medications such as sleeping pills or anti-anxiety medications
Severe insomnia can be a debilitating condition, but with the right treatment plan it can be managed. Talk to your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you.