How Serious Is Long Term Insomnia?

Long term insomnia is a serious sleep disordercan teach a person to meditate and visualize
that affects millions of people in the United States.away their worries. Reducing stress will help
Persistent insomnia, which is sometimes calleddecrease stress hormones.
chronic insomnia, is characterized by the inability toOther than yoga, insomniacs can also engage in
sleep that often persists for several nights. Thisphysically energizing workouts to raise adrenaline
type of sleep disorder can even last for up tolevels and increase the body's core temperature.
months depending on the gravity of the problem.Exercise such as this is best done in the
Long term insomnia is often caused by a numberafternoon or even in the early evening as the
of factors although most experts hold worryinghormone levels go down five to six hours after
as the culprit responsible. However not all expertsexercise can help promote deep sleep. Avoid
believe that psychological factors are the root ofexercising right before bedtime, as the body will
persistent to this disorder. In some cases, it canbe too stimulated to fall asleep.
even be a result of some type of physicalPass up a heavy meal at least four hours before
problem.hitting the sheets. Going to bed on a full stomach
Certain physiological factors have been found towill make it harder to sleep, as the tummy feels
cause persistent insomnia in some patients thatbloated; however drinking a glass of warm milk
participated in a study conducted by thebefore bedtime can help promote sleep as it
Association of Sleep Disorders in the Unitedcontains tryptophan.
States. An individual with physical disorders suchAside from milk, other protein-rich foods like nuts,
as abnormal muscle activity or breathing problemstuna, dates, and even potatoes can help promote
often experience sleep disorders that can be assleep. These foods contain tryptophan, which is a
serious as persistent insomnia.chemical that sends a message to the brain that
Long term insomnia can also be attributed to twoinitiates the release of the hormone serotonin to
well-known psychological factors namelyhelp a person relax.
depression and stress. Research has also shownAlternative remedies such, as acupuncture may
that more women are at risk of experiencing itbe a solution to persistent insomnia. This ancient
due to biological factors such as menopause.Chinese remedy is known to be quite effective in
Other factors that can cause the disorder cantreating a variety of sicknesses and is a
also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle with toodependable alternative to taking prescription drugs
much caffeine, nicotine or alcohol as well as latethat at times can be addictive.
night snacks.Vitamin and mineral supplements can also be
Dependence on prescription drugs such astaken to treat persistent insomnia. These may
anti-depressants can also lead to sleep disorders.include calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Other types
Several environmental factors can also lead toof supplements that can be taken to pacify the
persistent insomnia like excessive light or noise,nervous system would be vitamins B3, B6, and C.
working the night shift, and jet lag. Sleeping on anThe overall ambience of the bedroom can cause
uncomfortable bed can also lead to it.a person to lose sleep. In some cases, loud wall
Easy Techniques to Ease Long Term Insomniacolors or uncomfortable beddings, curtains or
Despite being a serious sleep disorder, peoplecarpets with frenzied patterns can keep a person
suffering from persistent insomnia need notawake all night. It helps to have bedroom walls
worry, as there are natural remedies that can bepainted in soft pastel colors that are calming to
employed to help ease the problem. The mostlook at.
logical solution would be to refrain from takingsSevere chronic insomnia will require professional
naps during the day. Too much sleep during theassistance and a lot of patience on the part of
day will make it harder to sleep at night.the patient. It is also a good idea to start a sleep
Yoga is a great exercise that can help a patientdiary wherein the patient can write down their
suffering persistent insomnia loosen up and focus.observations in order to identify any pattern that
Yoga is a unique form of relaxation technique thatcould have led to the sleeping disorder.