It’s 4 a.m. and you have class in four hours—but no matter how hard you try, you cannot sleep. Sure, we all have those sleepless nights, but if you’re struggling to catch those Zs on a regular basis, you might be suffering from insomnia.
Insomnia is disorder that makes it nearly impossible or extremely difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or both. Almost everyone will experience some form of this condition at some point in their lives, but you may be struggling with chronic insomnia if the problem persists. In addition to sleeplessness, other telling signs of insomnia include irritability, anxiousness, difficulty concentrating, tension headaches, and stomach pains and digestive issues.
Coming from someone who personally suffers from chronic insomnia, I have experienced most if not all of these symptoms. They are exhausting (no pun intended). Now, if the symptoms seem long, the list of causes is even longer. Insomnia can be the result of stress, other chronic medical conditions, poor sleep habits or even the types of medications you’re using.
If someone suffers from insomnia for long enough, other complications can arise in addition to the disorder itself, including irritability, increased risk of high blood pressure, reduced work performance, weight gain and even substance abuse.
These complications can be potentially dangerous if not addressed. While insomnia is annoying and can leave those who suffer from it feeling frustrated and helpless, there are plenty of resources to help deal with this disorder in an effective way. The best way to start is to visit your local health care provider and talk to them about what is going on. Don’t let insomnia control your life. Get the sleep you deserve!