What is Insomnia Essay Example

as medication for pain relief, high blood pressure and colds may also lead to temporary insomnia. Substance abuse involving drugs like cocaine can cause sleeping issues too. While it's unclear if mental disorders are linked to insomnia, depression is typically the most prevalent coexisting disorder.

Graph [7][10] on Corporatewellnessmagazine.com indicates that 50% of people with mental health problems also suffer from insomnia. The article discusses the effectiveness and possible drawbacks of using medication to treat sleep disorders. While medication can provide temporary relief, it may cause dependence and require higher doses over time. Overusing medication could lead to unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, forgetfulness, and dry mouth. However, medication is still a suitable option for managing sleep disorders in the short term; sleeping pills are especially useful for individuals who experience severe symptoms or have already tried natural remedies without success.

While it is impossible to cure insomnia, there are medications that can alleviate its symptoms. However, prescribing these drugs to individuals who suffer from long-term insomnia is often met with hesitation due to the possibility of dependence and limited effectiveness associated with benzodiazepines. This class of medication functions by enhancing chemicals that induce drowsiness via GABA receptor binding in the brain. Despite being one of the earliest types of sleep aids, their efficacy may decrease over time, making them suitable for short-term use (2-3 weeks). Nonetheless, they can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms for new users.

The top image displays various forms of Benzodiazepines, while Z medicines offer a new alternative with similar effects but less addictive qualities. However, if one medication proves ineffective, the other may also fail to work. The middle image on

the right depicts an example of Z medicine, which only remains effective for two to four weeks. Antihistamines induce drowsiness and neutralize histamines released during immune responses that cause inflammation, redness, and itching in damaged tissue. These medications function in both the brain and body by inducing sleepiness. Cells within the body contain four different types of histamine receptors: H1 sparks inflammation; H2 stimulates stomach acid production; H3 encourages neurotransmitter creation - messenger cells in the brain that affect emotions - while H4 helps prevent immune attacks on healthy tissue. [6][7][14][19][20]

The images show that the drugs nytol and sominex contain the antihistamine diphenhydramine. It is advised to only take sedative antihistamines, such as these two, for a short period of time due to their side effects of grogginess and drowsiness which have not been adequately tested for use as sleep aids in the past. Antihistamine therapy presents potential risks with common side effects like forgetfulness, clumsiness, imbalance, moderate to severe drowsiness, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision and dry mouth or throat varying from person to person. However individuals with respiratory problems like emphysema or chronic bronchitis or glaucoma may experience more severe symptoms. Therefore it is important to consult a doctor before taking any antihistamines to avoid possible risks or increased side effects. (Meir H.)

Kryger (2004) cautions against extended use of drugs that impact the body's histamine system, citing potential negative outcomes such as nervousness and nausea. Furthermore, utilizing these medications to treat insomnia carries a risk of addiction. McGraw-Hill Companies (United States of America pages 255-283 and 121-132) notes that alcohol can be addictive and result in alcoholism when used as a self-prescribed "drug."

Various

mental health disorders, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, can cause insomnia due to emotional and psychological issues. It is unclear whether insomnia causes depression or vice versa. However, sleeplessness may lead to other illnesses and disorders. While medication can be effective for inducing sleep in severe cases such as recovering from surgery or adjusting to time-zone changes, patients may become dependent on them. Relying on sleeping pills can worsen insomnia by causing withdrawal symptoms like sweating, shaking, and nausea.

The provided solutions not only prevent chronic insomnia but also shield against other health risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and depression. These solutions improve productivity and well-being to avoid these health issues. There are various self-practiced alternatives such as Paradox Training, Relaxation Training, and Sleep Restriction/Routines. Paradox intention helps those struggling with sleep by intentionally staying awake without the goal of sleeping. Relaxation Training reduces pre-sleep thoughts to prepare the body for restful sleep. Avoiding stimulant drugs like caffeine or alcohol before bed is recommended. Incorporating exercise into daily routines is suggested but should be done hours before bedtime to tire the body and remove excess energy.Sleep Restriction routines limit time in bed to actual sleeping time gradually improving your ability to fall asleep when getting into bed ultimately establishing a better routine.