WHAT IS INSOMNIA?

Insomnia pronounced (in-SOM-ne-ah) is a condition in which a person or an indivudual finds it difficult to fall or remain asleep. Since it's a symtom and not a stand alone diagnosis or a disease, it may therefore be due to inadequate quality or quantity of sleep.

Insomnia is not defind by a specific numbers of hours of sleep that one gets, since individuals vary widely in their sleep needs and practices. Eventhough we all know how we feel and perform after one or more sleepless nights, only few seek medical advice. Many people remain unaware of the behavioral and medical options available to treat insomnia.

There are basicly three types of insomnia; Transient insomnia, Acute insomnia and Cronic insomnia. They are individualy explained thus;

1. Transient insomnia: This occurs when symptoms lasts for a few days usually less than a week. It can be caused by another disorder, by change in the sleep environment, by the timing of sleep, severe depression or by stress. Its consequences which are; sleepiness and impaired psychomotor performance are similar to those of sleep deprivation.

2. Acute insomnia: This is the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of less than a month.

3. Chronic insomnia: This has the longest duration. It can lasts for several months or even a year. It can be caused by another disorder, or it can be a primary disorder and its effects vary according to its causes. They might include muscular fatigue, hallucinatios, and or mental fatigue. Some people who live with this diorder sees things as if they are happening in slow motion wherein moving objects seem to blend together. It causes double vision.

Insomnia affects all ages groups. among adults, insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence tends to increase with age. The condition can lead to poor performance at work or school and it can also lead to poor immune system fuction, obesity, depression anxiety, reduced reaction time and an increased risk and severity of long-term diseases.