Insomnia is a highly prevalent sleep disorder that regularly affects millions of people worldwide. Inshort, individuals with insomnia find it difficult to fall asleep and/or stay asleep.Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorderwhere people have trouble sleeping.They may havedifficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep as long asdesired.Insomnia is typically followed by daytimesleepiness, low energy, irritability, and a depressed mood. Itmay result in an increased risk of motor vehicle collisions,as well as problems focusing and learning.
Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing). Acute insomnia is common and often is brought on by situations such as stress at work, family pressures, or a traumatic event. Acute insomnia lasts for days or weeks.Chronic insomnia lasts for a month or longer. Most cases of chronic insomnia are secondary, which means they are the symptom or side effect of some other problem. Certain medical conditions, medicines, sleep disorders, and substances can cause secondary insomnia.
Anyone can get insomnia, but it is generally more common in women than in men. The elderly are particularly at risk for insomnia.
Aetiology
Insomnia can be caused by physical factors as well as psychological factors. There is often an underlyingmedical condition that causes chronic insomnia, while transient insomnia may be due to a recent eventor occurrence. Common causes are
Disruptions in circadian rhythm - jet lag, job shift changes, high altitudes, environmental noise, heat, orcold.
Psychological issues - people with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression anxiety disorders, or psychotic disorders are more likelyto have insomnia.
Medical conditions - brain lesions and tumors, stroke, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, congestive heart failure, angina, acid-reflux disease, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, sleep apnea, Parkinson's and Alzheimer'sdiseases, hyperthyroidism, arthritis.
Hormones - estrogen, hormone shifts during menstruation.
Other factors - sleeping next to a snoring partner, parasites, genetic conditions, overactive mind,pregnancy.
Media technology in the bedroom - researchers from the University of Helsinki, Finland, reported in thejournal BMC Public Health that media technology in the bedroom disrupts sleep patterns in children. They found that children withTVs, computers, video games, DVD players, and mobile phones in their bedrooms slept considerably lessthan kids without these devices in their bedrooms.
Medications - medications can cause insomnia in some patients like Corticosteroids include prednisone, triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, and cortisone., Statins include simvastatin, rosuvastatin,lovastatin, and atorvastatin.Alpha blockers - used for treating hypertension includeterazosin, silodosin, alfuzosin, prazosin, doxazosin, and tamsulosin.Beta blockers include carvedilol, propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol, and sotalol. SSRI antidepressants include fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine,escitalopram, and sertraline. ACE inhibitors include ramipril, fosinopril, benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, and captopril.ARBs (Angiotensin II-receptor blockers) include candesartan, valsartan, and losartan.Cholinesterase inhibitors includerivastigmine, donepezil, and galantamine.Second generation (non-sedating) H1 agonists includeloratadine, levocetirizine, desloratadine, and cetirizine.Glucosamine/chondroitin - dietary supplements used for relieving the symptoms of joint pain and to reduceinflammation.
Some people are more likely to suffer frominsomnia than others; these include:Travelers, Shift workers with frequent changes in shifts(day vs. night), The elderly, Drug users, Adolescent or young adult students, Pregnant women, Menopausal women and Those with mental health disorders
Clinical manifestations
Insomnia symptoms may includes
Insomnia itself may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. However, there are several signs and symptoms that are associated with insomnia like Difficulty falling asleep at night, Waking during the night, Waking earlier than desired, Still feeling tired after a night's sleep, Daytime fatigue or sleepiness, Irritability, depression, or anxiety, Poor concentration and focus, Being uncoordinated, an increase in errors or accidents
Tension headaches (feels like a tight band around head), Difficulty socializing, Gastrointestinal symptoms, Worrying about sleeping
Sleep deprivation can cause other symptoms. The afflicted person may wake up not feeling fully awake and refreshed, and may have a sensation of tiredness and sleepiness throughout the day. Having problems concentrating and focusing on tasks is common for people with insomnia.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 20 percent of non-alcohol related car crash injuries are caused by driver sleepiness.
MANAGEMENT
One of the most common causes of sleep onset insomnia is anxiety or chronic worry. Affected person get into bed at night but cant fall asleep because there mind is racing with anxious thoughts about.what they didnt get done today, about what tomorrow might hold, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities.
As well as addressing daytime habits that contribute to sleep onset insomnia such as avoiding caffeine late in the day and exercising in the morning or afternoon.
There are some steps can take to learn how to stop worrying at bedtime and look at life from
a more positive perspective.
Avoid watching TV, eating, and discussing emotional issues in bed.
Dont use bright light in your bedroom.
Avoid, caffine and smoking.
Get a massage on your scalp.
A light snack may be sleep-inducing, but a heavy meal too close to bedtime interferes with sleep. Stay away from protein and stick to carbohydrates or dairy products. Milk contains the amino acid L-tryptophan, which has been shown in research to help people go to sleep. So milk and cookies or crackers (without chocolate) may be useful and taste good as well.
Do not exercise vigorously just before bed.
Take a warm bath. This often helps.
Listen light music. Actually, any soothing noise (played softly) in the background may help.
Sleep with your head facing north (magnetic) and feet facing south.
Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT
In Homoeopathy, medicines are highly individualized to the patient and this will help a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which a patient is suffering. The aim of homoeopathy is not only to treat insomnia, but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility of the patient. For individualized remedy selection and treatment of chest pain, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. Some important remedies are given below for the treatment of insomnia:
Indicated Remedies
Indications
Nuxvomica
Sleepless from rush of ideas. Cannot sleep after 3a.m. until towards morning, falls asleep when it is time to rise and feels heavy and unrefreshed. It is especially the remedy for those who drink too much, those who abuse coffee and tea, those who are subject to abdominal disorders and a sluggish portal circulation. Sleeplessness from mental overwork, from too close study, especially at night. Dreams full of bustle and worry.
Opium
Stupefying and unrefreshing sleep. Sleepy, but cannot sleep. Sleeplessness with acuteness of hearing, clock striking and cocks crowing at great distance keep her awake. Loss of breath on falling asleep. Bed feels so hot she cannot lie on it; moves often in search of a cool place; must be uncovered. Sleepy but cannot sleep with great drowsiness
Coffea cruda
Nervous sleeplessness from rush of ideas, mental activity, awakes at or hears every sound after pleasurable excitement. In cases where there is excessive agitation of body and mind, and where extremely acute. It is the remedy when excitement or good news, joys or night watching causes the insomnia. It is well suited to sleeplessness in teething children, Sleeplessness from the bad effects of too good news.
Ambra Grisea
Sleeplessness arising from worriment of mind as from business trouble. The patient retires to bed feeling tolerably tired, yet as soon as the head touches the pillow he becomes wakeful. Before midnight sleeplessness. Frequent waking, and at 2 a.m. long uneasiness in the whole body, especially in the occiput. Uneasiness in the occiput after midnight.
Hyoscyamus niger
Sleeplessness from nervous excitement; the brain is full of bewildering ideas and images. After long illnesses and the brain cells are poorly nourished. Sleeplessness in children, who twitch, cry out frightened and tremble. Sleeplessness from overworked minds and without apparent cause may be beneóted by Hyoscyamus.
Sulphur
Sleeplessness from nervous excitement, cutaneous irritations and external heat. The patient is drowsy all day and sleepless at night. Sleeps in cat naps, wakes frequently. Restlessness of anaemic irritability. Long but unrefreshing sleep, in morning.
Belladonna
The sleepless conditions calling for Belladonna are due to congestion; sleep is extremely restless, as a rule it is interrupted by talking, starting, muscular jerkings and spasmodic motions; frightful images appear on closing the eyes and the patient therefore dreads sleep. Frightful dreams, they constantly awaken the patient. Insomnia due to cerebral hyperaemia. Cannot close the eyes, as he sees dreadful images on doing so. Children wake from sleep frightened.
Chamomilla
For sleeplessness in children due to severe pain. It quiets the irritability and the emotional excitement and the patient sleeps. It is also adapted to weak, nervous women. The sleep is tormented by dreams which are fanciful, vivid and anxious; the patient is hot and thirsty. Moaning in sleep. Great drowsiness is characteristic of the remedy, but cannot sleep.
Arsenic album.
Patient is disturbed, anxious and restless. Awakened by pains. Sleeplessness due to fear of air raids etc. Frequent starting up and twitching in. Somnolency in evening. Sleeplessness with constant restlessness and tossing about. Inability to fall asleep after once awaking at night. Anxious dreams.
Gelsemium
It is suited for the insomnia of brain workers. It is indicated in business men who pass restless nights, awaken early in the morning and worry over their business aúairs. It also is most useful in a state of alternate excitement and depression.
Ignatia amara
Sleeps so light that he hears everything in it. Dreams all night of the same subject.Insomnia due to grief, anxious thoughts, sadness or any depressing emotions. Deep, stupefying. Sleep after the cough paroxysms. Restless sleep and great restlessness at night with a tremor passing through the body
Cocculus indicus
It is especially suited to light haired, timid, nervous and bookworms persons. Sleeplessness due to night watching, nursing with worry and anxiety. Thinking of the business of the day prevents sleep. Spasmodic yawning. Sleepless from mental or physical exhaustion.
Aconitum napellus
Sleeplessness from anxiety, restlessness, anguish and fear; child tosses about feverishly. Starting up in after midnight during sleeplessness, with constant tossing about from anxiety, and ôightiness with closed eyes. Drowsiness, with inability to sleep. Disturbed sleep. Anxious dreams. Insomnia of the elderly.
Arnica montana
Arnica is particularly adapted to sanguine, plethoric persons, disposed to cerebral congestion, persons easily made train-sick or sea-sick. Sleeplessness caused by over-exertion and weariness of mind and body. Day sleepiness, with inability to sleep. Dreams of death, anxious and terrible, awakes in terror, then sleepless.
Causticum
Sleeplessness at night on account of dry heat cannot rest in any posture. He cannot get quiet position. Nightly sleeplessness with anxiety, dry heat and frequent starting up. Anxious dreams. Wakes with slightest noise.
Muriaticum acidum
Sleepy, but unable to sleep; tosses about; dreamy and restless all through the night. Irritable. Continual snoring, groaning, tossing about and talking, with sliding down in bed, especially before . Frequently wakened by a chill early in morning in bed.
Tabacum
Sleeplessness or insomnia due to nervous break down. Stupefying, with profuse sweat. Insomnia with dilated heart, with cold, clammy skin and anxiety.
Senecio jacobaea
For sleeplessness from prolapsus of uterus. Uterine irritation during climacteric.
Cannabis indica
In obstinate and intractable forms of insomnia. An irregular sleep is more of an indication than absolute insomnia. Unconquerable day sleepiness; Unrefreshing night sleep. Sleepless at night because of anxiety and heat as though dashed with hot water.
Kalium phosphoricum
Sleeplessness, especially during the latter part of the night. The patient is a nervous due to business worries and excessive mental exertion.
Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing). Acute insomnia is common and often is brought on by situations such as stress at work, family pressures, or a traumatic event. Acute insomnia lasts for days or weeks.Chronic insomnia lasts for a month or longer. Most cases of chronic insomnia are secondary, which means they are the symptom or side effect of some other problem. Certain medical conditions, medicines, sleep disorders, and substances can cause secondary insomnia.
Anyone can get insomnia, but it is generally more common in women than in men. The elderly are particularly at risk for insomnia.
Aetiology
Insomnia can be caused by physical factors as well as psychological factors. There is often an underlyingmedical condition that causes chronic insomnia, while transient insomnia may be due to a recent eventor occurrence. Common causes are
Disruptions in circadian rhythm - jet lag, job shift changes, high altitudes, environmental noise, heat, orcold.
Psychological issues - people with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression anxiety disorders, or psychotic disorders are more likelyto have insomnia.
Medical conditions - brain lesions and tumors, stroke, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, congestive heart failure, angina, acid-reflux disease, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, sleep apnea, Parkinson's and Alzheimer'sdiseases, hyperthyroidism, arthritis.
Hormones - estrogen, hormone shifts during menstruation.
Other factors - sleeping next to a snoring partner, parasites, genetic conditions, overactive mind,pregnancy.
Media technology in the bedroom - researchers from the University of Helsinki, Finland, reported in thejournal BMC Public Health that media technology in the bedroom disrupts sleep patterns in children. They found that children withTVs, computers, video games, DVD players, and mobile phones in their bedrooms slept considerably lessthan kids without these devices in their bedrooms.
Medications - medications can cause insomnia in some patients like Corticosteroids include prednisone, triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, and cortisone., Statins include simvastatin, rosuvastatin,lovastatin, and atorvastatin.Alpha blockers - used for treating hypertension includeterazosin, silodosin, alfuzosin, prazosin, doxazosin, and tamsulosin.Beta blockers include carvedilol, propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol, and sotalol. SSRI antidepressants include fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine,escitalopram, and sertraline. ACE inhibitors include ramipril, fosinopril, benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, and captopril.ARBs (Angiotensin II-receptor blockers) include candesartan, valsartan, and losartan.Cholinesterase inhibitors includerivastigmine, donepezil, and galantamine.Second generation (non-sedating) H1 agonists includeloratadine, levocetirizine, desloratadine, and cetirizine.Glucosamine/chondroitin - dietary supplements used for relieving the symptoms of joint pain and to reduceinflammation.
Some people are more likely to suffer frominsomnia than others; these include:Travelers, Shift workers with frequent changes in shifts(day vs. night), The elderly, Drug users, Adolescent or young adult students, Pregnant women, Menopausal women and Those with mental health disorders
Clinical manifestations
Insomnia symptoms may includes
Insomnia itself may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. However, there are several signs and symptoms that are associated with insomnia like Difficulty falling asleep at night, Waking during the night, Waking earlier than desired, Still feeling tired after a night's sleep, Daytime fatigue or sleepiness, Irritability, depression, or anxiety, Poor concentration and focus, Being uncoordinated, an increase in errors or accidents
Tension headaches (feels like a tight band around head), Difficulty socializing, Gastrointestinal symptoms, Worrying about sleeping
Sleep deprivation can cause other symptoms. The afflicted person may wake up not feeling fully awake and refreshed, and may have a sensation of tiredness and sleepiness throughout the day. Having problems concentrating and focusing on tasks is common for people with insomnia.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 20 percent of non-alcohol related car crash injuries are caused by driver sleepiness.
MANAGEMENT
One of the most common causes of sleep onset insomnia is anxiety or chronic worry. Affected person get into bed at night but cant fall asleep because there mind is racing with anxious thoughts about.what they didnt get done today, about what tomorrow might hold, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities.
As well as addressing daytime habits that contribute to sleep onset insomnia such as avoiding caffeine late in the day and exercising in the morning or afternoon.
There are some steps can take to learn how to stop worrying at bedtime and look at life from
a more positive perspective.
Avoid watching TV, eating, and discussing emotional issues in bed.
Dont use bright light in your bedroom.
Avoid, caffine and smoking.
Get a massage on your scalp.
A light snack may be sleep-inducing, but a heavy meal too close to bedtime interferes with sleep. Stay away from protein and stick to carbohydrates or dairy products. Milk contains the amino acid L-tryptophan, which has been shown in research to help people go to sleep. So milk and cookies or crackers (without chocolate) may be useful and taste good as well.
Do not exercise vigorously just before bed.
Take a warm bath. This often helps.
Listen light music. Actually, any soothing noise (played softly) in the background may help.
Sleep with your head facing north (magnetic) and feet facing south.
Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT
In Homoeopathy, medicines are highly individualized to the patient and this will help a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which a patient is suffering. The aim of homoeopathy is not only to treat insomnia, but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility of the patient. For individualized remedy selection and treatment of chest pain, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. Some important remedies are given below for the treatment of insomnia:
Indicated Remedies
Indications
Nuxvomica
Sleepless from rush of ideas. Cannot sleep after 3a.m. until towards morning, falls asleep when it is time to rise and feels heavy and unrefreshed. It is especially the remedy for those who drink too much, those who abuse coffee and tea, those who are subject to abdominal disorders and a sluggish portal circulation. Sleeplessness from mental overwork, from too close study, especially at night. Dreams full of bustle and worry.
Opium
Stupefying and unrefreshing sleep. Sleepy, but cannot sleep. Sleeplessness with acuteness of hearing, clock striking and cocks crowing at great distance keep her awake. Loss of breath on falling asleep. Bed feels so hot she cannot lie on it; moves often in search of a cool place; must be uncovered. Sleepy but cannot sleep with great drowsiness
Coffea cruda
Nervous sleeplessness from rush of ideas, mental activity, awakes at or hears every sound after pleasurable excitement. In cases where there is excessive agitation of body and mind, and where extremely acute. It is the remedy when excitement or good news, joys or night watching causes the insomnia. It is well suited to sleeplessness in teething children, Sleeplessness from the bad effects of too good news.
Ambra Grisea
Sleeplessness arising from worriment of mind as from business trouble. The patient retires to bed feeling tolerably tired, yet as soon as the head touches the pillow he becomes wakeful. Before midnight sleeplessness. Frequent waking, and at 2 a.m. long uneasiness in the whole body, especially in the occiput. Uneasiness in the occiput after midnight.
Hyoscyamus niger
Sleeplessness from nervous excitement; the brain is full of bewildering ideas and images. After long illnesses and the brain cells are poorly nourished. Sleeplessness in children, who twitch, cry out frightened and tremble. Sleeplessness from overworked minds and without apparent cause may be beneóted by Hyoscyamus.
Sulphur
Sleeplessness from nervous excitement, cutaneous irritations and external heat. The patient is drowsy all day and sleepless at night. Sleeps in cat naps, wakes frequently. Restlessness of anaemic irritability. Long but unrefreshing sleep, in morning.
Belladonna
The sleepless conditions calling for Belladonna are due to congestion; sleep is extremely restless, as a rule it is interrupted by talking, starting, muscular jerkings and spasmodic motions; frightful images appear on closing the eyes and the patient therefore dreads sleep. Frightful dreams, they constantly awaken the patient. Insomnia due to cerebral hyperaemia. Cannot close the eyes, as he sees dreadful images on doing so. Children wake from sleep frightened.
Chamomilla
For sleeplessness in children due to severe pain. It quiets the irritability and the emotional excitement and the patient sleeps. It is also adapted to weak, nervous women. The sleep is tormented by dreams which are fanciful, vivid and anxious; the patient is hot and thirsty. Moaning in sleep. Great drowsiness is characteristic of the remedy, but cannot sleep.
Arsenic album.
Patient is disturbed, anxious and restless. Awakened by pains. Sleeplessness due to fear of air raids etc. Frequent starting up and twitching in. Somnolency in evening. Sleeplessness with constant restlessness and tossing about. Inability to fall asleep after once awaking at night. Anxious dreams.
Gelsemium
It is suited for the insomnia of brain workers. It is indicated in business men who pass restless nights, awaken early in the morning and worry over their business aúairs. It also is most useful in a state of alternate excitement and depression.
Ignatia amara
Sleeps so light that he hears everything in it. Dreams all night of the same subject.Insomnia due to grief, anxious thoughts, sadness or any depressing emotions. Deep, stupefying. Sleep after the cough paroxysms. Restless sleep and great restlessness at night with a tremor passing through the body
Cocculus indicus
It is especially suited to light haired, timid, nervous and bookworms persons. Sleeplessness due to night watching, nursing with worry and anxiety. Thinking of the business of the day prevents sleep. Spasmodic yawning. Sleepless from mental or physical exhaustion.
Aconitum napellus
Sleeplessness from anxiety, restlessness, anguish and fear; child tosses about feverishly. Starting up in after midnight during sleeplessness, with constant tossing about from anxiety, and ôightiness with closed eyes. Drowsiness, with inability to sleep. Disturbed sleep. Anxious dreams. Insomnia of the elderly.
Arnica montana
Arnica is particularly adapted to sanguine, plethoric persons, disposed to cerebral congestion, persons easily made train-sick or sea-sick. Sleeplessness caused by over-exertion and weariness of mind and body. Day sleepiness, with inability to sleep. Dreams of death, anxious and terrible, awakes in terror, then sleepless.
Causticum
Sleeplessness at night on account of dry heat cannot rest in any posture. He cannot get quiet position. Nightly sleeplessness with anxiety, dry heat and frequent starting up. Anxious dreams. Wakes with slightest noise.
Muriaticum acidum
Sleepy, but unable to sleep; tosses about; dreamy and restless all through the night. Irritable. Continual snoring, groaning, tossing about and talking, with sliding down in bed, especially before . Frequently wakened by a chill early in morning in bed.
Tabacum
Sleeplessness or insomnia due to nervous break down. Stupefying, with profuse sweat. Insomnia with dilated heart, with cold, clammy skin and anxiety.
Senecio jacobaea
For sleeplessness from prolapsus of uterus. Uterine irritation during climacteric.
Cannabis indica
In obstinate and intractable forms of insomnia. An irregular sleep is more of an indication than absolute insomnia. Unconquerable day sleepiness; Unrefreshing night sleep. Sleepless at night because of anxiety and heat as though dashed with hot water.
Kalium phosphoricum
Sleeplessness, especially during the latter part of the night. The patient is a nervous due to business worries and excessive mental exertion.
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