Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, It is estimated that 30% of adults living in the United States experience symptoms of insomnia.
Insomnia can be categorized into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia is not linked to any other health conditions. In contrast, secondary insomnia can be caused by underlying health conditions or medication side effects.
Symptoms of insomnia may vary and can last for a short time ( a few days or weeks), or they can be chronic occurring at least three times per week and lasting more than three months. Insomnia symptoms can include:
- Having a hard time falling asleep at night
- Trouble staying asleep throughout the night
- Waking up too early
- Tiredness or sleepiness during the day
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Irritability
- Mood swings
Longterm sleep deprivation caused by severe or chronic insomnia can lead to the development of complications such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Stroke
Getting good quality sleep is crucial for our mental and physical health. There are a few things that we can do to improve our quality of sleep. They include:
- Setting and following a sleep schedule
- Avoid using electronic devices before bed
- Avoid eating heavy meals late in the day
- Avoid the consumption of foods or beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine before bed
If you are experiencing long-term insomnia symptoms that are affecting your ability to do daily activities, you should speak with a doctor. A sleep specialist can conduct a series of tests to determine the cause of sleep deprivation and create a treatment plan.
To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.