What is insomnia and how to deal with it
Not being able to sleep can be a pretty normal problem for most of us until it starts to seep into your daily life.
Insomnia is a real-life disorder that when left untreated can harm you and your health. Symptoms include difficulty in sleeping, waking up in the night, and feeling tired right after you wake up.
Insomnia can affect anyone but is considerably common among women and older adults. It can last for a few days, weeks, or continue long term.
According to Pinoy MD, there are two common types of insomnia and each type is characterized by how long it lasts and how it affects your sleep. These are:
1. Acute Insomnia
Regarded as the most common type, acute insomnia is short-term insomnia that can last from a few days to a few weeks.
According to specialists, acute insomnia is referred to as adjustment insomnia because it often occurs when a person deals with a stressful event such as starting a new job or experiencing the death of a loved one.
Along with stress, acute insomnia can be caused by environmental factors, sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings, physical discomfort, illness, and jet lag.
2. Chronic Insomnia
If you're having trouble sleeping at least three days per week for at least a month, you may be experiencing Chronic insomnia.
As shared by Dr. Rodolfo Dizon Jr. of the Neurosleep Center of the Philippines, “Maraming posibleng sanhi ang insomnia, karaniwan problema sa trabaho, sa relasyon, kadalasan sa pinansyal.
“Mayroon din mga indibidwal na nagkakasakit kaya nahihirapan silang makatulog.”
So how do you treat insomnia?
Based on studies, there are ways in alleviating your sleeping problem like giving yourself a proper time for rest, avoiding naps during the day, saying no to coffee, turning off gadgets 30 minutes before going to sleep, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
“Kung 'di rin tayo makatulog sa gabi maari rin tayong kumain ng keso o mani na makakatulong sa pagtulog o kaya isang baso ng warm na gatas,” adds Dr. Dizon.
For more tips, check this video from Pinoy MD: