Wake Up to Sleep

What are its symptoms/fallouts?
If you face difficulties in dropping off, wake up often in the night and then have trouble going back to sleep, get up at the crack of dawn or suffer unrefreshing sleep, you could have insomnia. Because of a restless night, you would feel sleepy or tired or irritable during the day and face difficulties concentrating on a task. An insomniac may also suffer from sleep apnea, narcolepsy and the restless legs syndrome.

I have asthma and can’t sleep at night. Is there a connection?
This condition is typical of secondary insomnia, brought on by an outside factor such as a health condition (depression, heartburn, cancer, asthma, arthritis), pain, medication or substance-abuse (alcohol or drugs). Primary insomnia is not directly associated with any health condition or outside source.

I can’t sleep ever since I lost a family member two weeks ago.
In medical terms, you would be said to be suffering from acute (short-term) insomnia. It can last from one night to a few weeks, and is brought on by emotional or physical discomfort, usually a single event. ‘‘Causes can include significant stress, loss or change of jobs, death of a loved one, illness, factors like noise, light or extreme temperatures, jet lag, switching from a night shift to a day shift etc,’’ says Dr Nagpal.

Chronic (long-term) insomnia, on the other hand, is when a person suffers sleeplessness at least three nights a week for a month or longer. Common causes: depression, chronic stress, pain or discomfort at night, health problems.

How is insomnia diagnosed?
If you think you have insomnia, talk to your doctor. An evaluation may include a physical exam, a medical history and a sleep history. You may be asked to maintain a sleep diary for a week or two, recording your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day.

How is insomnia treated?
Acute insomnia may not require treatment outside of a healthy lifestyle incorporating exercise and nutritious food. Mild insomnia can be prevented or cured through good sleep habits. ‘‘Most sleep medicines have side-effects and must be used with caution. OTC sleeping pills are not recommended. Behavioural approaches to treatment focus on changing habits that make it worse and learning sleep-friendly ways. Relaxation exercises, sleep restriction therapy and reconditioning may be useful,’’ says Nagpal.