Various Types of Insomnia and Its Influence to One’s Health

Insomnia, by itself, is not a disease. It may be a symptom of a physical and emotional imbalance or just manifestation of fatigue caused by lack of sleep. This condition is manifested by any of the following: a) light, interrupted sleep that one is still tired upon waking up, b) not being able to sleep, even if fatigued, c) lack of sleeping hours. Although this condition is usually temporary, insomnia may be classified based on the length of time it has affected the patient.

* Transient Insomnia - This condition remains only for a few days. Transient insomnia is commonly caused by stress or as a direct response to change. It is sometimes called adjustment sleep disorder. The disorder may develop after a traumatic event or even during minor changes such as traveling or weather changes.

Caffeine and nicotine are also observed to affect sleeping patterns. Caffeine, which is present in coffee, and nicotine, present in cigarettes, can cause transient insomnia. In most cases, treatment for transient insomnia is not necessary. It usually resolves after a few days once the person was able to adjust to the new situations or surroundings.

* Short-term Insomnia - This persists for three workweeks or less. Short-term insomnia and transient insomnia are more or less alike in their causes. Read the rest of this entry »