Those with sleep difficulties may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or may wake up too early each morning. They often sleep poorly, even after falling asleep! As high as 30% of all adults in the United States have symptoms of insomnia at some time in their lives and 10% suffer from chronic insomnia.
Short-Term Insomnia (temporary, circumstantial)
When insomnia occurs because of a specific situation or stressor it is considered to be short-term or transient insomnia. Traumatic events, illness, injury or major life events can cause a short period of temporary sleep problems. Some people also may experience sleep problems during the change of season, when going through a difficulties at work or school or while traveling.
Normally, short-term insomnia doesn't require treatment. Normal sleep patterns usually return once the event or situation has been resolved. However, if the insomnia lasts more than a few weeks or interferes with a person's ability to complete daily activities, treatment may be needed.
Chronic (Primary) Insomnia
You have chronic insomnia if you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, wake up too early or have a poor quality of sleep most nights for 1 month or more. In any given year, 30-40% of adults will have insomnia-related complaints (sometimes this is a symptom of another disorder, not 'primary' insomnia). There is some research to indicate that insomnia may be hereditary with 35% of people with chronic insomnia having a family history of trouble sleeping. Anxiety and stress can be causes of chronic insomnia. Chronic primary insomnia (opposed to chronic comorbid, when a medical condition contributes) is when there are no other health conditions cause the sleeping difficulties.
There are various medications that can be used to reduce insomnia's symptoms. I will say that these medications cannot cure insomnia nor provide long-term relief. Many of these medications can be addictive if used over extended periods of time. Sleep is a normal, natural, healthy, biological mechanism and excessive medication will most likely only achieve interrupting this normal bodily process. Medications can, however, provide short-term, temporary relief. I discuss how they worsen the situation in the long-run in the "Treatments" post.
Sources:
"Insomnia", Reviewed 2007, March 14, Reviewed by Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, A.D.A.M.
"A Vicious Cycle: Insomnia, Anxiety and Depression", 2004-2009, Duke University Health System
Short-Term Insomnia (temporary, circumstantial)
When insomnia occurs because of a specific situation or stressor it is considered to be short-term or transient insomnia. Traumatic events, illness, injury or major life events can cause a short period of temporary sleep problems. Some people also may experience sleep problems during the change of season, when going through a difficulties at work or school or while traveling.
Normally, short-term insomnia doesn't require treatment. Normal sleep patterns usually return once the event or situation has been resolved. However, if the insomnia lasts more than a few weeks or interferes with a person's ability to complete daily activities, treatment may be needed.
Chronic (Primary) Insomnia
You have chronic insomnia if you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, wake up too early or have a poor quality of sleep most nights for 1 month or more. In any given year, 30-40% of adults will have insomnia-related complaints (sometimes this is a symptom of another disorder, not 'primary' insomnia). There is some research to indicate that insomnia may be hereditary with 35% of people with chronic insomnia having a family history of trouble sleeping. Anxiety and stress can be causes of chronic insomnia. Chronic primary insomnia (opposed to chronic comorbid, when a medical condition contributes) is when there are no other health conditions cause the sleeping difficulties.
There are various medications that can be used to reduce insomnia's symptoms. I will say that these medications cannot cure insomnia nor provide long-term relief. Many of these medications can be addictive if used over extended periods of time. Sleep is a normal, natural, healthy, biological mechanism and excessive medication will most likely only achieve interrupting this normal bodily process. Medications can, however, provide short-term, temporary relief. I discuss how they worsen the situation in the long-run in the "Treatments" post.
Sources:
"Insomnia", Reviewed 2007, March 14, Reviewed by Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, A.D.A.M.
"A Vicious Cycle: Insomnia, Anxiety and Depression", 2004-2009, Duke University Health System
I often experience short-term insomnia. It is the most frustrating thing ever! It usually occurs when I have high anxiety about something going on in my life. I think the tips you sited are awesome pointers...I wonder how well they actually work though with students! haha
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