The physical and psychological effects of insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep, or to stay asleep long enough to feel rested. A lack of sleep can make you feel tired and will visibly show even after just one night’s restlessness. Sleep is important allowing the body to not only rest itself but also carry out any repair work. We all need to sleep a little every day how much we need to sleep changes from person to person. Insomnia can be a körperliche und seelische Ursachen der Dysfunktion in day to day functioning of a long term sufferer.

Sleep is made up of different stages and cycles. Stages being with sleepiness and progress to light sleep, deep sleep 1 and deep sleep 2 and REM (rapid eye movement sleep). During REM you are most likely to dream. These stages repeat in cycles of about 1 hour and a half five times every night. You will feel more rested if you wake up at the end of a cycle rather than in the middle of it. For example you may find you feel better after just six hours’ sleep compared to ten hours’ sleep. The recommended number of hours per night for an adult is between 7 and 8. Though as we get older we need less sleep, may find it harder to stay asleep right the way through the night. Insomniacs typically find it hard to fall asleep, and stay asleep. Many wake up early and are left feeling tired and unable to function to their best ability.

Causes of insomnia can be both psychological and physical, and sometimes the condition can be attributed to prescription medication, environmental and lifestyle factors. It is important to identify the cause for insomnia and seek treatment because it sleeplessness has been linked to an increased risk of developing serious health conditions.

If you find your daytime activities are negatively affected by your lack of sleep, and your mood changes because if this, you should contact your GP for advice. They will examine any medical causes of insomnia and may be able to recommend treatments. If you operate heavy machinery or drive a car take extra steps to avoid putting yourself at risk of having an accident.

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