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Insomnia Sleep Disorder

Individuals who suffer from insomnia sleep disorder often complain of not being able to get a full night's rest. Some may have difficulty falling asleep, while others constantly awaken after seeming to doze for only a few minutes or hours. Deprivation causes irritability, daytime sleepiness, tiredness and fatigue, and an inability to focus or concentrate. In extreme cases, individuals may fall asleep while operating dangerous machinery or under the wheel of a motor vehicle; and both incidences can result in serious injury or death. In order to find the cause of insomnia, patients can enroll in studies or consult a physician.

Patients enrolled in investigative studies will be asked to wear monitoring devices while falling asleep in a controlled environment. An insomnia sleep disorder can be detected as patients go through several stages of unconsciousness. REM (rapid eye movement), respiratory function, pulse, and heart rate are monitored to detect the cause of sleeplessness or presence of apnea, a potentially dangerous respiratory condition that causes patients to cease breathing for longer than normal periods of time. Snoring also causes sleeplessness, as copious amounts of air dry mucous membranes in the mouth, nose and throat. People that snore are usually unaware that loud snoring can easily awaken them and contribute to wakeful nights.

For most people, falling asleep occurs gradually, from drowsiness, cat napping, and dreaming, also known as REM; to deep unconsciousness. During REM, the body experiences dreams, movement and an irregular heart rate. The body is not in a restful state, but movements indicate activity in dreams or rehearsals of the day's activities. Deep sleep is the most rewarding state of unconsciousness when the body experiences total and complete rest, similar to being comatose. For individuals suffering from insomnia sleep disorder, six, seven, or even eight hours of unbroken rest is optimal. Children may require eight; but small babies sleep in spurts and experience REM.

The causes of insomnia sleep disorder vary with the individual. Those who fall asleep only to awaken several times during the night may also suffer from other health conditions. Cardiac patients, especially those diagnosed with congestive heart disease, may awaken as a result of fluid build-up in the lungs and kidneys. Defective heart valves and deficient pumping cause the lungs to become awash in fluid, resulting in hacking coughs and a feeling of suffocation. Both symptoms can awaken an individual from a sound rest. And because congestive heart failure patients may also suffer from weak kidneys, they can easily be abruptly awakened by an overactive bladder and the urge to urinate frequently, as much as four to five times a night.

An insomnia sleep disorder can also be caused by psychological and emotional problems, such as stress, poor dietary habits, prescription drugs, substance abuse, or environmental factors. Stress in the workplace or at home can cause individuals to worry and become overly anxious. Some insomniacs complain about not being able to "shut off" their minds at bedtime. Worry and apprehension about the job, mounting unpaid bills, health issues, or an uncertain future can cause insomniacs to fill the mind with thoughts of gloom and doom, creating a hostile environment for rest. The stress of losing a loved one, relocating to a different city, or being up for a much needed promotion can all cause sleeplessness. "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8).

Eating or drinking too close to bedtime can also cause adults and children to stay awake all night long and develop insomnia sleep disorder. Alcoholic beverages can over-stimulate the senses, while some prescription drugs have the same effect and should be taken earlier in the day, at least two to three hours before retiring. Illegal drugs, such as amphetamines, cocaine, and even cigarettes are "uppers," which make users feel emotionally high. Once in the body, the effect of barbiturates and other mood-altering substances deprive individuals of the ability to rest normally and peacefully. Drinking water or alcohol over-works the bladder and can cause individuals to awaken repeatedly to urinate excessively.

While some people watch television to aid in falling asleep, certain programs cause sleeplessness. An insomnia sleep disorder may be a direct result of watching the eleven o'clock news. Individuals who become emotionally engaged in distressing reports about the economy or a nearby robbery or murder may unwittingly open the door to all kinds of stressors. It is difficult to turn off internal emotions associated with hearing and seeing bad news. Individuals may try to relax, but the mind is still processing facts and figures of a murder case, whether fact or fiction. "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet" (Proverbs 3:24). Doctors may recommend retiring with a good book, or studying the Bible in order to prepare the mind for a good night's rest. An old fashioned remedy for sleeplessness is drinking a warm glass of milk about thirty minutes before retiring. The warm milk contains tryptophan, a chemical which aids in relaxation.

Nearly every kind of insomnia sleep disorder can be cured through cognitive therapy, nutrition and exercise, or rehabilitative treatment. Retraining patients on how to think positively about negative situations or emotions helps them learn how to relax and let go. The goal of therapists is to help individuals establish consistent lifestyle patterns which aid in reaching a deep sleep. Going to bed at the same time each night, eating light evening meals to aid in digestion and elimination hours before retiring; prayer, meditation and listening to soothing music helps individuals relax. Listening to soft music or soothing inspirational songs with earphones helps the body relax, the soul to be rejuvenated and the spirit to be ministered to for a good night's rest.

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