Life With Insomnia - My Story

As your About.com Guide on insomnia, I thought it important you know how people living with insomnia can cope well and still enjoy a good quality of life. My interest in sleep disorders and insomnia began at a young age, when I was diagnosed as a sleepwalker. I remember as a child one night I walked out of the house and strolled casually down the street. At the time, I was asleep, completely unaware of my actions. Fortunately for me, my mother quickly realized I was missing, found me, and put me back to bed.

Instances like this are common among people with sleep disorders and parasomnias, including insomnia, sleepwalking, and even sleep talking. There are many incredible stories about sleepwalking.Sleepwalking and talking in one's sleep are relatively common among people with sleep disorders. Sleepwalking is more common in children, and does not always lead to insomnia later in life, although some studies suggest children with sleep disorders or parasomnias may develop insomnia or other sleep disorders later in life. Many people with insomnia have related conditions, including other sleep disorders that interfere with their ability to sleep. While not everyone with insomnia will develop other problems later in life, I also suffer from REM Sleep Disorder. This unusual sleep disorder contributes to insomnia. It causes one to act out in the night.

Someone with REM Sleep Disorder or related conditions may:

• kick in the night
• punch or thrash about
• have conversations without realizing it
• engage in other unusual or bizarre sleep behaviors

While my symptoms are mild, they have led to many sleepless nights. In fact, I often wake at 3 a.m. to work.

Sleep disorders including insomnia, often interfere with one's ability to fall or stay asleep. This can result in various ailments including depression, anxiety, or chronic fatigue. If you have insomnia, you may struggle to find ways to cope with daily life, especially when life is chaotic or stressful. So how does one cope when they have insomnia?

Coping With Insomnia - It's Easier Than You Think

Most researchers suggest the vast majority of people require 7-8 hours of sleep each night to function well during the day. There are other studies however, suggesting some people do well on less sleep. You can however, build a cumulative sleep deficit, which can also lead to chronic illness. For the most part, you should do all you can to get a good night's sleep. When you find you can't, make the most of it. Here are some tips for managing a stressful day when you've suffered a bout of insomnia:

• Try avoiding too much caffeine, which can lead to headaches during the day.
• If you have an opportunity to rest, then do so, but avoid napping, which can worsen nightime insomnia.
• Try using essential oils like lavender to relax, or peppermint to pep you up during the day.

More Tips On Coping With Little Sleep

As you learn more about insomnia, you will discover everyone has their own "peak" times during the day, times they feel most alert and active. You should schedule busy activities or important tasks at these times, so you do not struggle with them while tired. I find I am most alert and attentive in the wee hours of the morning. I try to get as much sleep as I can, and when I do sleep, I make sure the quality of sleep is the best it can be. Many sleep disorders are related. Someone with a sleep disorder often feels they suffer from chronic fatigue. Fortunately there are many effective treatments that allow people with insomnia and related sleep disorders the ability to get quality sleep while sleeping. As long as the quality of your sleep is good, you get along well for most of the day. While there are some days that seem harder than others, with proper treatment and care, most people with insomnia can lead an ordinary, if not extraordinary life.

References:

Plante, David and Winkelman, John, MD, PhD. Parasomnias Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 29.4: pages 969-987 (2006). (subscription required)

Doghramji, K. The Sleep-Psychiatry Interface Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 29.4: pages 841-1140 (2006).