What is Insmonia, & How Do I Get Rid of It?

When you have trouble falling or staying asleep, you have insomnia. Some people with insomnia may fall asleep easily but wake up too soon. Other people may have the opposite problem, or they have trouble with both falling asleep and staying asleep. The end result is poor-quality sleep that doesn’t leave you feeling refreshed when you wake up.There are two types of insomnia. The most common type is called secondary insomnia. About 80% of those with insomnia are believed to have secondary insomnia. Secondary means that the insomnia is a symptom or a side-effect of some other problem. Some of the problems that can cause secondary insomnia include:    * Illness, such as some heart and lung diseases    * Pain, anxiety, and depression    * Medicines that delay or disrupt sleep as a side-effect    * Caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and other substances that affect sleep    * Another sleep disorder, such as restless legs syndrome; a poor sleep environment; or a change in sleep routineBy contrast, primary insomnia is not a side-effect of medicines or another medical problem. It is its own sleep disorder, and generally persists for least a month or longer.Sadly, insomnia is very common. It can cause excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of energy. Long-term insomnia can cause you to feel depressed or irritable; have trouble paying attention, learning, and remembering; and not do your best on the job or at school. Insomnia also can limit the energy you have to spend with friends or family.Insomnia can be mild to severe depending on how often it occurs and for how long. Chronic insomnia means having symptoms at least 3 nights per week for more than a month. Insomnia that lasts for less time is known as short-term or acute insomnia.Secondary insomnia often resolves or improves without treatment if you can eliminate its cause. This is especially true if the problem can be corrected soon after it starts. Better sleep habits and lifestyle changes often help relieve insomnia. You may need to see a doctor or sleep specialist to get the best relief for insomnia that is persistent or for which the cause of the sleep problem is unclear.