Adults suffering from insomnia will often have a hard time falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or else experience sleep of poor quality. Insomniacs may also wake up too early and find themselves unable to fall back asleep. Many factors can affect the development of this condition. There are also many forms of the disorder. Below are two of the major forms of the condition and their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Adjustment Insomnia
Also referred to as acute insomnia, adjustment insomnia is usually the result of stress. It can occur for days to weeks at a time. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, this form is more common in women and older adults. Cognitive behavioral therapies, such as relaxation training to relax the mind and body before sleep, can help resolve this form and provide other long-term health benefits. Changing the attitudes that are causing stress or removing oneself from the stressful situation can also help patients to recover.
Conditioned Insomnia
This form is characterized by worrying about not being able to fall asleep. The more the patient thinks and worries about falling asleep as soon as possible, the more difficult it becomes to actually get rest. Anxiety, poor sleep habits, and alcohol use can all perpetuate this condition. Practicing healthy sleep habits and going to bed only when sleepy can help resolve conditioned insomnia. In some severe cases, sleeping pills may also be recommended.
Any form of insomnia can lead to fatigue, moodiness, daytime sleepiness, poor memory and concentration, irritability, and a variety of other troublesome and even dangerous symptoms. At the Illinois Neurological Institute Sleep Center, our experts are skilled in determining the causes of disrupted sleeping patterns. If you find that you are not getting adequate sleep, contact the INI Sleep Center in Peoria today at to set up a consultation.
Last Updated: March 13, 2020