Insomnia Facts Everyone Should Know

Do you experience difficulty falling or staying asleep? Are there times when you wake up too early and are unable to go back to sleep no matter how hard you try? If you experience these symptoms for a few days or a few weeks, or if you are bothered by such incidents for at least three nights per week for at least three months, you may have insomnia, a common sleep disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. According to a leading mattress store for Sandy Springs, insomnia is not something that should be taken lightly and those with the condition should take steps to treat it.

Insomnia Facts and Figures

Here is some basic information you need to know about the condition.

• Insomnia affects 10% to 30% of the adult population worldwide.
• Women are more likely to experience insomnia than men, with a prevalence rate of 2:1. This may have something to do with hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause.
• While the condition may affect anyone regardless of age, it is more common among older adults, with a prevalence rate of up to 50% in people over 65.
• Insomnia can have a significant impact on daily functioning, with insomnia sufferers reporting higher levels of fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and impaired cognitive and emotional functioning.
• Insomnia is often comorbid with other mental and physical health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and cardiovascular disease.
• Many people with insomnia do not seek treatment, with estimates suggesting that only 10-15% of sufferers seek medical help for their sleep problems.
• Insomnia causes a significant economic burden, costing the US economy up to $107 billion annually in lost productivity, healthcare costs, and accidents.
• Insomnia has been identified by the World Health Organization as a primary public health concern, with significant impacts on physical and mental health, social functioning, and quality of life.

What Causes Insomnia?

Besides age and gender, other factors can interfere with sleep and increase the risk of insomnia. These include the following:

• Medical conditions such as chronic pain, respiratory problems, and neurological disorders.
• Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, antidepressants, and stimulants.
• Mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
• Lifestyle factors, including poor sleeping habits, caffeine and alcohol consumption before bedtime, and lack of physical exercise.
• Stressful events, including relationship issues, work pressure, financial problems, and other major life changes.

What are the Types of Insomnia?

Insomnia can be classified into several types based on its duration and underlying causes.

• Acute insomnia. The condition lasts for a few days to a few weeks and may be caused by stress, changes in sleep schedule, medical conditions, or jet lag.
• Chronic insomnia. When you experience sleep disturbances for at least three nights a week for three months or more, you may have what is known as chronic insomnia. This condition may be triggered by anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or other medical conditions.
• Onset insomnia. This condition is characterized by difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night.
• Maintenance insomnia. Characterized by waking up frequently during the night or early morning and having difficulty falling back asleep.
• Terminal insomnia. This type of insomnia is characterized by waking up too early in the morning and being unable to fall back asleep.

How Does Insomnia Affect Our Health?

Insomnia affects people in several ways. Specifically, it can cause:

• Daytime fatigue, sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating.
• Irritability, anxiety, depression, and other mood disturbances.
• Increased risk of several physical health problems, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and decreased immune function.
• Impaired cognitive function, which affects memory, attention, and decision-making abilities.
• Increased risk of accidents, such as car crashes, workplace accidents, and falls.

How do you address the condition?

Considering the serious impact of insomnia on individuals, communities, and society as a whole, it is important to raise awareness and promote effective prevention and treatment strategies for this condition.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, lifestyle changes may suffice while medical intervention may be required in other cases. There are several practical ways to treat the condition, as suggested by Fred’s Beds, a leading mattress store for Sandy Springs.

• Develop healthy sleep habits by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment. Thus, a leading mattress store for sandy springs highlights the importance of using a comfortable and supportive mattress in promoting better sleep quality and reducing discomfort. Additionally, keeping the bedroom at a comfortable temperature, blocking out noise and excessive light, and reducing allergens also help promote better sleep.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, and limit the use of electronic devices before bedtime.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery, to help reduce stress and promote relaxation before bedtime.
• Prescription medications such as sedatives or hypnotics may be used to treat short-term insomnia, but these drugs have potential side effects and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision.
• Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), a structured program that helps individuals identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their sleep difficulties.

While a better sleeping environment can be helpful in managing insomnia, it may not be a complete solution for everyone. If you continue to have trouble sleeping despite making changes to your sleep environment and habits, consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Managing Insomnia Made Easier with Fred’s Beds

A more comfortable bed can be a great help in promoting better sleep. At Fred’s Beds, we can provide you with the best bed based on your needs and preferences. We have a huge selection of beds and mattresses at unbeatable prices so visit our clearance center at 6280 GA Highway 400 North Cumming GA today!

You may also Contact Us here or call us at (770) 282-8344 if you have any questions or comments about our products and services.