We’ve all experienced that night or two where we have a hard time falling asleep, but insomnia is something completely different. Insomnia is a misunderstood condition that plagues many Americans.Most of these sufferers (including the ones who falsely believe they suffer from it) don’t know the facts about it. Here are some of the major myths that surround the disorder, followed by the truths that everyone should know.
Insomnia is a Mental Disorder, not Physical
Many chalk up insomnia to an overactive mind and an inability to relax one’s thoughts and stresses from the day. Generally, insomnia stems from something much bigger than anxiety, as those symptoms tend to be temporary. Insomnia often occurs in its victims as a result of arthritis, asthma, or often depression. Overcoming insomnia cannot be done by overcoming a mental barrier; it must be treated with physical measures just as any disorder.
You Should Stay in Bed until you Fall Asleep
As a general sleep rule, we’ve all been told since we were young to stay in bed and keep our eyes closed if we had trouble falling asleep. Sometimes this works, but for a person with insomnia it’s not only pointless, it can also be damaging. When we try to force sleep, we start to associate the bed as a place of restlessness. This can be very hurtful to your progress towards a normal sleep schedule. Instead, get up and engage in some non-strenuous activity, returning to the bed only when you feel tired enough to sleep.
Sleep Aids are Safe
There are plenty of sleep-aid medications that claim to be risk-free, non-habit forming, and the cure to insomnia. None of these are true. There is always a risk of becoming addicted to sleeping pills, especially since none of them ever cure insomnia. They only treat the problem temporarily.If the root of the problem remains then it is easy to become dependent on sleeping aids to help you sleep. No matter the sleep aid, youmust be very careful when choosing to use them, and consult your doctor before doing so.
Exercise Helps You Sleep
While exercising earlier in the day is great to tire yourself out, a late-night workout can make it more difficult to sleep. The increased blood flow will take a while to settle down, and in the meantime will cause your brain to become more alert and less relaxed. Maintaining a regular exercise regimen is still very important for those combatting insomnia, but be sure to schedule your routine earlier in the day.
Insomnia is a Serious Medical Problem
Insomnia is a problem, and it’s a problem that sufferers should seek help for. Nevertheless, it is not a life-threatening disorder that requires any extreme measures. While often a result of more serious ailments (depression, etc.), it rarely results in any serious medical complications that you need to be worried about. Losing a few nights sleep may have some ill consequences, but it is no reason to let it rule or ruin your life. Speak actively with your doctor, and keep a healthy and happy lifestyle during your days. Eventually your nights will be filled with sleep.
If you have insomnia, it pays to do some research into the causes and effects of the disorder yourself. There are plenty of online articles, experiments, and studies done by teams of medical research in Salt Lake City, UT and other cities. By staying informed, you’ll be able to keep ahead of the problem and find a solution quicker.
About Author : Chris Milleris a professional writer, blogger, and English grammar enthusiast. Chris enjoys learning about new health products, procedures, and ideas.
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