The 101 On Insomnia: Understanding And Treating This Common Sleep Disorder

From caring for children and the home to working a full-time job, getting enough rest can be difficult for most adults. While health professionals recommend adults between the ages of 26 and 64 receive 7 to 9 hours of sleep, medical issues, stress, and a busier lifestyle can affect your ability to get a sufficient night's rest. Insomnia is a common condition, which prevents you from falling and staying asleep, but you may not be familiar with this sleep disorder. Using this guide, you will have a better understanding of insomnia.

Insomnia 101

Your brain runs on a cycle, which switches itself on or off depending on the time of day or night. If your brain is unable to fall asleep or stop being awake, you may be suffering from a case of insomnia. While surprising to learn, there are many causes of insomnia including the following:

  • Chronic pain
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Endocrine problems
  • Neurological conditions
  • Respiratory issues
  • Certain medications
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Sleep apnea
  • Depression

Treating Insomnia

If you are having difficulty sleeping and are experiencing the above issues, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action. In most cases, your doctor will treat any underlying medical conditions in a different manner or prescribe new medications that do not have side effects related to sleep disorders.

Changing your lifestyle can reduce bouts of insomnia. Consuming alcohol may induce sleepiness, but it can cause you to wake up through the night. Also, avoid drinking caffeine in the afternoon and evening. If you drink multiple cups of coffee or other caffeinated beverages throughout the day, reduce your consumption to improve your sleep habits.

Consider taking melatonin a few hours before bed to induce sleepiness. Begin taking a lower dose of approximately 0.3 milligrams. If this is not effective, increase your dosage, but avoid taking over 5 mg of melatonin.

Cannabis was used thousands of years ago to treat many different medical conditions. Taken as a capsule, smoked through a joint or vaporizer, or combined in with your favorite foods, cannabis is now being used to treat insomnia due to its calming effects on the central nervous system. Of course, discussing the use of medical marijuana with your doctor is essential, since it is not legally available in all parts of the country.

Insomnia can wreak havoc on your daily life, so treating the condition is key. With the help of your doctor and this guide on insomnia, you can get a sufficient night's sleep. If you want to apply for medical marijuana, visit Best 420 Health and Wellness.


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