Sleep disorder or Insomnia; Most of us have experienced bothersome symptoms like difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep and both (sometimes). Patients may have suffered bouts of Insomnia that may continue for a few days or longer. Though the symptoms may seem simple, however; Insomnia is a complex condition with a wide variety of fractures.

This disorder is also a widespread problem – too familiar. There is about thirty to forty percent of Americans have reported the symptoms of Insomnia.

What is Insomnia?

It is a sleep disorder defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep longer like average persons. Insomnia may be a transient acute or long-term condition. Insomnia (a sleep disorder) is by far the most common sleep disorder, affecting as much as half the world’s population at some point in their lives.

Insomnia symptoms

The main symptoms of this disorder are the inability to fall asleep, fall back to sleep, and stay asleep. However, many insomniacs can produce some other physical and cognitive consequences. These additional symptoms are not primary symptoms and may be shared with those suffering from sleep deprivation and other sleep disorders. Insomnia can produce a wide range of effects, including;

• Irritability or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling tired and groggy upon waking up
• Daytime fatigue
• Anxiety or depression
• Trouble retaining new information
• Reduced coordination
• Increased accidents and errors at home or on the job
• Diminished work performance
• Difficulty engaging in social activities, etc.

Insomnia Vs. sleep deprivation

Insomnia and sleep deprivation can be confused as they share some physical and cognitive effects. However, both (insomnia and sleep deprivation) can cause a feeling of fatigue or trouble concentrating, which is not the same.

Both conditions may have some critical differences with their few different symptoms. Sleep deprivation can affect daily life and can cause; poor concentration, sleepiness, memory problems, and decreased emotional control. In addition, Insomnia affects the individual at the time of night.

Main subtypes of Insomnia

This human disorder has divided into three subtypes according to their symptoms;

1) Transient Insomnia symptoms:

This type of insomnia disorder lasts for a few days to a few months, and it is either intermittent or continuous.
Symptoms may include;

• Weak (low) sleep hygiene. bright light, use of electronics, late meals, alcohol, and caffeine are frequent contributors to transient sleep disorder (Insomnia)
• A genuinely unpleasant occasion, for example, a passing, new position, move, or birth of an (unwanted) child
• Circadian rhythm disruption, such as a change in work schedule or jet lag.
• A new sleep environment (place change), such as a hotel room, new bed, or unfamiliar house
• Adjustment to a higher altitude

2) Acute insomnia symptoms:

This type of Insomnia may last for up to three months, like transient Insomnia. Symptoms of severe Insomnia may come and go; some symptoms may include;

• Emotional conflict or difficulty
• Sudden death or traumatic event
• Pain and illness, such as sleep apnea, asthma, acid-reflux disease, or diabetes
• shift work
• A massive stressful life disruption such as a divorce or move

3) Chronic Insomnia:

Chronic insomnia symptoms persist for three months or longer. There are many reasons for insomnia symptoms; there usually are only a few causes of insomnia disorder—a conditioned response to bedtime, the attempt to sleep, or the sleeping environment.

The possible health consequences of Insomnia include the following;

• Increased risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Impaired immune function
• Increased risk of a mood disorder like depression and anxiety
• Difficulty retaining new information
• Difficulty concentrating
• Impaired performance at work or school
• Increased risk of accidents and errors
• Increased signs of aging, especially in the skin
• Increased risk of weight gain
• Reduced life expectancy.