Health Matters: Struggling with Insomnia

From kvrr.com

With busy work schedules and lives, sometimes sleep is the last thing we think of.
But for those who can't fall asleep, it may not leave their mind.
Almost 30 percent of people face insomnia at some point in their life.
Night after night, you lie in bed awake for hours.
Tossing and turning, you just can't seem to fall asleep.
When it's time to get started on your day, you can be left tired, irritable and your work and relationships can suffer.
"Most effects are shortened and everybody, because of their life stress. We see that this happens for a few days. But if it tends to stay longer that's when we call it insomnia," said Dr. Praveen Jinnur, who works with patients at the Essentia Health Sleep Medicine Department.

Most people have shortened insomnia disorder, which lasts less than three months.
Ten percent of patients who go beyond that, are considered to have what's called "chronic insomnia".

"Insomnia is a very common complaint I hear in the sleep medicine clinic," said Dr. Jinnur. "Insomnia is a persistent difficulty in falling asleep. Or maintaining the sleep despite having an adequate portion of opportunity and time to sleep."

But Jinnur says this condition shouldn't be confused with being a night owl.
Circadian Rhythm Disorder is when a body's internal clock is irregular.
But the difference between this and insomnia is once people fall asleep, they typically stay asleep.
And for anyone, habits right before bed make a big difference.

"Lifestyle management is one of the important aspects of insomnia which includes a good sleep hygiene. They should not exercise before bedtime and avoid caffeine late in the evening. And alcohol," adds Dr. Jinnur.

He says a good night's sleep is considered to be between seven to eight hours, and it shouldn't be taken lightly.

"It is very essential. If you are unable to fall asleep adequately, it definitely affects your daytime performance, if you are very tired your productivity is affected the next day and it also affects your social performance," said Dr. Jinnur.

If you do find yourself having trouble maintaining sleep, it's recommended to see a physician to decide if a sleep study is necessary.
Dr.Jinnur says there isn't a quick fix for insomnia, but it's possible as long as the patient takes good sleep hygiene seriously.

http://www.kvrr.com/health-matters/health-matters-is-your-trouble-falling-asleep-insomnia/41144042