What Is Primary Insomnia? : Insomnia comes in many shapes in sizes. A person who has trouble sleeping may have primary insomnia, acute insomnia or transient insomnia. Primary insomnia, sometimes called “chronic insomnia,” is a longer-lasting form of insomnia that results in sleep-onset insomnia (where a person has trouble falling asleep) and sleep-maintenance insomnia (where a person can’t stay asleep).
Causes For Chronic Insomnia: Doctors often look for underlying causes of sleeplessness before they officially diagnose someone with insomnia. It is critical you visit a doctor if you suspect you have insomnia so you receive proper treatment and care. Your doctor may discover underlying causes for sleeping trouble that are not related to insomnia. Your doctor may for example, discover you have depression, and because of this you have trouble sleeping as a side-effect of depression. Often primary insomnia results from neurological problems or bad habits one adopts over the course of a lifetime.
Signs & Symptoms Of Primary Insomnia: Some signs and symptoms of primary insomnia include: sleeplessness, feeling fatigued, having trouble falling asleep, feeling emotional and having trouble concentrating. You should know that every person with primary insomnia will experience insomnia differently, so it is important you seek your doctor’s advice for a proper diagnosis. You should also track your own symptoms so your doctor can diagnose your sleeplessness correctly. This is easily done by keeping a sleep journal or diary that records the time you go to bed, the number of hours you sleep and the number of times you wake at night.
People At Risk For Primary Insomnia:: Doctors are not certain why some people develop primary insomnia. Sleep researchers often hypothesize that disorders of the circadian rhythm may cause chronic insomnia. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or wake often during the night, the chances are high you may develop insomnia. Sometimes people have bad habits like going to bed at different times, or watching television in bed. These lifestyle habits can cause primary insomnia over time.
Primary Insomnia Treatments: There are many insomnia remedies available for people with insomnia. If you have insomnia, your doctor may suggest that you try to establish a daily routine that restricts the amount of sleep you get during the day. That means you have to avoid napping because this can interfere with your ability to sleep at night. Other doctors may suggest that you get out of bed if you don’t fall asleep within 20 to 30 minutes after lying down. You should get up and try again when you feel sleepier. Still others may help you develop better sleep hygiene, and may recommend relaxation techniques or sleep aids to induce sleep.
Outlook For Patients With Primary Insomnia: If you have primary insomnia, don't fret. The chances are good you and your doctor will find an effective treatment program. Many doctors are finding cognitive behavior therapy or CBT very effective for treating chronic insomnia. Just remember -- to stay healthy you will need to remain vigilant about sticking to your bedtime routine. You must follow your doctor's orders and do whatever it takes to get enough sleep each night. Once you do start sleeping regularly, the chances are high your outlook on life will change for the better. Happy sleeping!
More Information About Insomnia: Many people have trouble sleeping. In fact, roughly 60 million people in the United States alone suffer from insomnia. Do you know if you have insomnia? Find out!
- Insomnia Facts
- Types Of Insomnia
- Find Out If You Are At Risk
- How Changing Your Lifestyle Can Improve Insomnia
Remember, over time a few sleepless nights can turn into chronic insomnia. Chronic or primary insomnia can lead to sleep deprivation, which has many long-term consequences. If you have any questions or concerns about your sleeping habits, or your lack of sleep, be sure to contact your health provider for more information.