Insomnia is too little or poor-quality sleep caused by one or more of the following: Trouble falling asleep Waking up a lot during the night with trouble returning to sleep, Waking up too early in the morning, Having un-refreshing sleep (not feeling well rested), even after sleeping 7 to 8 hours at night. Insomnia can cause problems during the day, such as excessive sleepiness, fatigue, trouble thinking clearly or staying focused, or feeling depressed or irritable. Insomnia is not a disorder, it is a symptom. Insomnia is most common among women and older adults. Insomnia is also associated with anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, dementia (such as Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions.

Sleep consists of two distinct states that alternate in cycles and reflect differing levels of brain nerve cell activity:. Sleep disturbances are a hallmark of depression, but insomnia can actually unleash the mood disorder. Sleeping pills have caused some serious side effects in the past, such as addiction, depression, and suicide, but the newer drugs, some due out in 2004, promise to be non-addictive, safer and more effective than previous versions. Sleeping pills can be unsafe to use if you have certain health problems.

Sleeplessness in adults may be due to:Aging, Alcoholism or abruptly stopping alcohol after long-term use. Also other factors include, anxiety, depression, enlarged prostate, cystitis, COPD, arthritis, heartburn, and heart or lung problems. Exhilaration or excitement, grief,Illicit street drugs, such as amphetamines and cocaine,jet lag,Lack of exposure to bright-light or sun-light,medications,Sleeping too much during the day,Stimulants taken in the evening, including nicotine, alcohol, caffeine.

According to a nationwide study by the Association of Sleep Disorders Centers, physical ailments -such as disorders of breathing or abnormal muscle activity are often the cause of sleep disruption and may account for a large number of self-diagnosed cases of insomnia. Other sleep disorders and physical illnesses may occur during sleep, disrupt sleep, and produce symptoms that can easily be mistaken for insomnia.For example, arthritis, headache disorders, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and other conditions can cause or worsen the problem of insomnia.

Treatment for learned insomnia aims to improve sleep habits and reduce unnecessary worry. Treating insomnia is much in the prevention of certain things during daily life, and also requires finding out the factors that are causing the problem. Treatment of insomnia includes alleviating any physical and emotional problems that are contributing to the condition and exploring changes in lifestyle that will improve the situation. Treatment changes in your bedtime surroundings and habits that can promote sleep are usually the most important way to manage insomnia.

Sleeplessness, or Insomnia, is something of an epidemic in the US right now. Treatment for both primary and secondary insomnia might include cognitive behavioral therapy (helping you to set your environment, routine and frame of mind for sleep), dietary changes, exercise, relaxation and meditation, chromatherapy (color therapy), acupuncture, bright light therapy, dietary supplements and a range of herbal remedies. Please go here http://shop.herbalbiz.com/368093/product/overview/Melatrol_Sleep_Aid/ target"_blank"> to check out a great all-natural sleep supplement, that will help you sleep soundly and wake up refreshed

Article Written By J. Foley