Sleep disorders
It is estimated that almost 80 million Americans and 20 million
Europeans suffer from acute sleep disorders, characterized by
inadequate or poor quality sleep. No matter how hard these
people try, they simply can't get enough sleep! If you can't
sleep long enough to get a good rest or if you experience a poor
quality or inadequate sleep pattern, then you're suffering from
Insomnia or "no sleep" symptoms. The loss occurring due to
direct and indirect insomnia is estimated at about $50 billion,
and such a heavy loss can not simply matched by the emotional
trauma being faced by the person with acute sleep disorders. For
a long time, Insomnia was perceived to be a symptom and not a
disease or a disorder, but as the more advanced evidences
suggest, Insomnia appears to be much more than just a sleep
disorder.
Insomnia is usually characterized by a condition when a person
finds it very difficult to fall asleep or face difficulties
maintaining the rhythm of sleep or waking up very early in the
morning. Insomnia is also prevalent in aged adults of 50 years
and above, and according to conservative estimates, about 55% of
people allover the world face sleep disorders of varying
degrees. Insomnia may also occur as an inherited genetic trait
or due to some illness; however, new facts suggest us that
Insomnia often manifests as a result of many combinations of
physiological and environmental parameters.
Sleep disorders are also classified on their degree of
seriousness: either acute or chronic. Shorter duration Insomnia
or Acute Insomnia may occur due to some temporary situations
like long air traveling or mental stress. Such low intensity
Insomnia is easily treatable and often lasts one or two months.
On the other hand, longer term or Chronic Insomnia is often very
serious and may occur as a result of a combination of various
parameters, which are medical, physical and/or psychological.
Treating chronic insomnia is often very difficult and usually
depends on a combination of medications, education on behavioral
and cognitive techniques. Sleep disorders of a serious nature
are also assumed to be precursors of future onset of depression.
Sleep disorders could be damaging to your health and personal
life, due to its hidden effects as it can impair the whole body
mechanism. Consequences of not getting enough good sleep can be
very serious, and include daytime tiredness, bad mood, low level
depression, psychological distress, and difficulty in
concentrating, as well as being at increased risk for physical
injury, and permanent illness. Though there is several sleep
disorder medication available, a definite treatment method can
only be prescribe after a detailed medical diagnosis. Most
common treatments include medication, behavioral and cognitive
therapy and relaxation training.
Prescription medications that promote a sustained level of sleep
are called hypnotics therapy. Medications usually differ by
dosage and duration and level of action. Cognitive therapies are
prescribed in case of severe cases of Insomnia and include
manipulation of attitudes and beliefs that may/will contribute
to poor sleep. Sleep disorders of extremely chronic nature,
usually take a long time to cure and needs active participation
from the patient.