Insomnia

Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder associated with an inability to fall asleep, get a restful night's sleep, and restore energy. According to the World Health Statistics, more than 35% of women and almost 30% of men suffer from this condition.

Adults need at least 6-10 hours of sleep each day to stay healthy. During this period, the body undergoes recovery, and the brain processes memories gathered throughout the day. Falling asleep should take no more than 15 minutes. While people with insomnia spend too much time finding the best sleeping position. Sleep becomes disrupted and does not bring the feeling of cheerfulness in the morning.

Symptoms of Insomnia

interrupted nighttime sleep, frequent awakenings due to minor irritations
lack of energy and motivation that leads to difficulty making decisions
problems with memory and concentration
anxiety
irritability or mood swings that interfere with work, social life, or family
daytime sleepiness
apathy or fatigue
negative thoughts about sleep and dissatisfaction with sleep quality
headache
digestive problems

Sleep disturbances require medical attention if they last more than one month and occur three or more times a week.

Causes of Insomnia

Shiftwork and night work. It goes against the body's natural rhythm. The human body is programmed to sleep when it is dark and stay awake when it is light outside. For night shift workers, day and night can be completely reversed.
Nervous strain. Stress overloads the nervous system and activates a special response, postponing the rest period.
Coffee and chocolate consumed at night. The caffeine contained in both foods can affect the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for helping us fall asleep.
Certain types of medication.
Alcohol (especially when used to fall asleep faster). It can lead to a dependency on alcohol. The body may no longer be able to go into rest mode without sleep aids.
Aging.
Pregnancy.
Snoring.

What are the Problems Associated with Long-term Insomnia?

Nervous System

During sleep, the brain forms neural pathways to remember new information. Insomnia disrupts the normal functioning of the brain and body. People with sleep disturbances find it more difficult to concentrate or learn new things. The nerves may not send signals efficiently, decreasing motor coordination and increasing the risk of accidents.

Immune System

Sleep plays a crucial role in helping the immune system produce protective substances that fight bacterial and viral infections. Lack of sleep prevents the immune system from building up its forces. People who do not sleep enough are more likely to get sick. Their immune systems are not able to properly protect their bodies from infections. Hence, the recovery process may take much longer.

Digestive System

Sleep deprivation can present a risk factor of overweight and obesity. Sleep influences the levels of two hormones that control hunger and satiety.
Leptin tells the brain when the stomach is full. Poor sleep, or not enough sleep, lowers leptin levels and increases ghrelin, which stimulates appetite. These differences in the two hormones can explain nighttime snacking or heavy meals at night.

Cardiovascular System

Sleep affects the processes that are responsible for keeping the heart and blood vessels healthy, as well as maintaining normal blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Sleep is vitally important for the body's ability to repair blood vessels and the heart. Sleep-deprived people are at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Endocrine System

The production of hormones is closely associated with sleep. For example, testosterone production requires at least three hours of uninterrupted sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night disrupts hormone production.