Do you often find it difficult to enjoy a good sleep at night? Well, you may be suffering from insomnia, a sleep disorder which causes acute sleeplessness that affects a lot of people all over the world. What are the primary causes of insomnia? How will you know you are experiencing it? And what are the possible treatments for this common ailment that sometimes robs people of a peaceful, night rest?

Types of insomnia

There are three distinct types of insomnia:

• Transient insomnia: The symptoms of this insomnia type last for only three nights.
• Acute insomnia: This is also referred to as short-term insomnia, and its symptoms can last for several weeks.
• Chronic insomnia: This type of insomnia can last for months and even years.

Causes of insomnia

Nearly 30-40 percent of Americans report having insomnia every year, while 10-15 percent of adults are affected by chronic insomnia. This sleep disorder can be caused by either psychological or physical factors, as explained below:

• Medical conditions: The medical conditions can cause insomnia–Asthma, chronic pain, stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, sleep apnea, angina, congestive heart failure, brain lesions, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, acid-reflux disease (GERD), hyperthyroidism, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Hormones: Changes in hormones during menstruation and estrogen.
•  Psychological issues: Psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders.
• Disruption in circadian rhythm: High altitudes, jet lag, noises from the environment, extreme cold or heat, or job shift stress.
• Medications: ACE inhibitors, corticosteroids, alpha blockers, statins, glucosamine/chondroitin, SSRI antidepressants, cholinesterase inhibitors, beta blockers, ARBs (angiotensin II-receptor blockers), and second-generation (non-sedating) H1 agonists.
• Other related factors: Parasites, sleeping next to a snoring bedmate, pregnancy, genetic conditions, or overactive mind.

Symptoms: Signs you are suffering from insomnia?

Outlined below are the most common symptoms associated with insomnia:

• Sleep deprivation–unable to have a good sleep at night
• Waking during the night
• Poor concentration and focus
• Feeling fatigue during daytime
• Having headaches from tension and stress
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• irritability, depression, or anxiety
• Uncoordinated and prone to making many mistakes
• Feeling sleepy during daytime

Treatments for insomnia

You should work closely with your physician in order to determine the most appropriate treatment for you. You can treat your insomnia using any or a combination of these treatments:

• Using medications: You can use prescription sleeping pills, antidepressant, antihistamines, ramelteon, melatonin, or sleep aids.
• Non-pharmacological treatment: This method employs cognitive behavioral therapy in one-on-one or group counseling.
• Home remedies: You can treat your insomnia by using some appropriate relaxation techniques like meditation and muscle relaxation; doing exercises; improving sleep hygiene by avoiding any habits that could take sleep away from your eyes; and, doing some stimulus control therapy.