Chronic Insomnia: Definition, Causes and Treatments

Chronic insomnia is particularly complex since it has a neurobiological component and a psychological component. statistics-of-sleep-disorders-in-france/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> out of four French people say they suffer from a lack of sleep and a third have sleep disorders.

Sleep disorders are varied. We can cite restless legs disorder, nocturnal awakenings or sleep rhythm disorders. Insomnia is one of the most serious sleep disorders. On the one hand because it has consequences on the quality of life of patients and on the other hand, because it affects 16% of French people. The term insomnia will be used when the patient encounters repercussions related to lack of sleep during the day. It could be a lack of concentration, irritability or drowsiness. The causes of insomnia are varied and can be psychological or due to stress. a pathology. Depending on the cause and the symptoms encountered, the patient will be prescribed different treatments or offered various recommendations.

Contents:

• Insomnia definition & types

• Insomnia Causes & risk factors

• Insomnia Treatments

Insomnia: definition and types of insomnia

Strictly speaking, insomnia refers to lack of sleep. Insomnia can cover three different definitions. It may be present at bedtime, when the patient has difficulty falling asleep. It can also be present during the night and will then take the form of prolonged nocturnal awakenings. Finally, it can be a premature awakening in the morning with an inability to go back to sleep.

It should be noted, however, that some people sleep less than others but don't suffer because they need less sleep.

It is important to emphasize that Anyone can experience insomnia. These have different intensities and durations.

Insomnia can be classified into different categories. The first and previously cited named "initial insomnia" corresponds to the difficulty in falling asleep. To be classified as such, insomnia must last more than thirty minutes. Terminal insomnia on the other hand will awaken the subject before the expected wake-up time. The patient will then be unable to go back to sleep.< /a>

Idiopathic insomnia will be encountered when the subject has suffered from it since childhood. This insomnia is independent of a psychological cause and will not be not the consequence of stress for example.

Psychophysiological insomnia is the most common. It corresponds to the tensions released by the body at bedtime and at the anxiety felt before falling asleep.

Insomnia linked to poor sleep hygiene, can be linked to practicing sports, watching videos or taking stimulants (tobacco, caffeine, etc.) before bedtime.

Finally, any insomnia can be qualified as transient or chronic. It will be chronic when it exceeds three nights a week. On the other hand, temporary insomnia will be episodic.

Chronic insomnia: causes and risk factors

Insomnia can affect anyone. There is no typical profile of subjects with insomnia. But are there risk factors? The answer is yes there are a lot of them.

As very often, lifestyle will have a significant impact on the quality of sleep. On will cite in this regard the consumption of tobacco, coffee, alcohol or energizing substances before bedtime.

Many physiological factors may also be involved. It should be noted here that women are more prone to insomnia. This is partly due to hormonal disorders (periods, pregnancy, menopause). Likewise, age should be taken into account. The older you get, the more people will encounter sleep disorders type insomnia.

The causes of insomnia can be linked to emotional and psychological factors. Thus an emotional shock such as bereavement, overwork or even a state of stress can be causing insomnia.

The environment has a determining role in the quality of sleep. Des noise pollution, aggressive lighting or an unsuitable temperature can damage the quality of sleep.

Mental and physiological hyperactivity refers to a state of cerebral agitation. This agitation prevents the patient from falling asleep. The subject then fails to partition his ideas and to find adequate tranquility.

Chronic Insomnia: Treatments

Many drugs exist to fight against insomnia, but before any medical prescription, it is essential to respect a few basic principles that can help restore a restful sleep.

The first rule is to sleep in total darkness and to prefer natural light during the day than synthetic light.

The second tip is to do regular physical activity. Indeed, statistically people practicing a sport sleep better. Be careful, however, not to exercise a few hours before bedtime.

Finally, and as we have highlighted, the sound environment can greatly disrupt sleep. A spouse who snoring can cause insomnia.

Also, in order to remedy snoring and to find quiet nights, it is possible to use the Back2Sleep nasal orthosis. This orthosis adapts to the patient's morphology and allows regular breathing without snoring.

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In order to regain quality sleep, it is possible to use behavioral therapies. This therapy has the merit of avoiding taking medication and allows work on the psychological side of insomnia.

Essential oils and homeopathy are regularly used in case of sleep disorder. These can have a positive impact on insomnia.

Of course it is possible to take sleeping pills to sleep. Nevertheless it should be remembered that if the use of hypnotics allows you to sleep, it does not cure insomnia. It is recommended to benefit from a good medical follow-up in case of taking sleeping pills.

Also read the article "Sleep Disorder: Definition and Example"