Insomnia

Causes, Types, and Health Impacts

Understanding Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that occurs when people don’t sleep enough, aren’t sleeping well or have trouble falling or staying asleep. Not getting enough good sleep can lead to sleep deprivation, ultimately affecting our ability to function through regular daily activities. It can affect memory and concentration, make people feel sluggish throughout the day, and affect metabolism.

Short-term insomnia is usually caused by stress or changes in your schedule. Short-term insomnia is temporary, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Chronic insomnia occurs frequently, sometimes three times per week and lasts for several months. Chronic insomnia occurs even when there’s no stress, no change in environment or schedule or no other explanation. Chronic insomnia raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Insomnia is also correlated with perimenopause and menopause.

The symptoms of insomnia vary but can include:

Sleep habits and needs of individuals vary widely. Several categories of sleeping are considered “normal.” There are early risers who go to bed early and wake up early. There are night owls who go to bed late and wake up late. There are short sleepers who need less sleep than other people. There are also learned sleep differences where people develop certain sleep habits for specific reasons, such as their profession. Military personnel who have experienced combat tend to become light sleepers because of the inherent dangers of their job.

People of different age groups require different amounts of sleep, and the need for sleep changes as we age. Infants require a significant amount of sleep (14-17 hours/day) compared to adults 18 and up, who need between 7-9 hours per night.

Finding Rest Naturally

How Acupuncture Offers a Drug-Free Solution for Insomnia

Treatment for insomnia can include prescription drugs, but acupuncture is an effective alternative for those who want to avoid taking medication to fall asleep. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that insomnia is caused not only by external factors but also by poor circulation, insufficient nutrients, and an imbalance in the body’s internal organs. Licensed acupuncturists can use points throughout the body to regulate and create balance within the body, promoting better sleep.