Restless Nation: Unseen Risks Posed by Neglecting Sleeplessness
Insomnia, a sleep disorder that affects between 6% and 40% of the population, is characterized by the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or waking up early for an extended period. If you suspect you have insomnia, it's crucial to seek assessment by your nearest medical provider or counsellor.
To investigate insomnia, various factors are assessed, including sleep duration, frequency, bedtime schedule, falling asleep time, awakenings, rising time, sleep environment, triggers, behaviors during sleep, past medical history, and past treatment history. Physical sleep disorders such as apnoea and obstruction should be ruled out by specialists in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT).
The use of alcohol, substances of abuse, and unmonitored herbal products for insomnia treatment can worsen mental disorders and physical health. These substances can increase the risk of accidents and exacerbate mental disorders. Therefore, it's strongly advised to avoid using them for insomnia management.
The first option for treating insomnia is psychotherapy, specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), offered either face-to-face or via digital platforms. CBT-I uses methods such as learning about sleep, changing habits, and altering thought patterns. For adults where CBT-I is unsuitable or ineffective, medication treatment for long-term chronic insomnia is recommended for the shortest possible duration and reassessed within three months.
It's important to clarify the use of substances like caffeine, which can last up to six hours. The use of alcohol, substances of abuse, and over-the-counter medication for insomnia treatment is not advisable. The use of "herbal" products for insomnia treatment is often difficult to monitor and is strongly discouraged without professional involvement.
Untreated insomnia can impact quality of life, worsen other mental disorders, and impact physical health by increasing the risk of accidents and appetite. Therefore, it's important for insomnia cases that are not improving to be investigated by relevant specialists.
The writer of this article is a mental health advocate with 25 years of medical practice experience. Hendrikje Rudnick, the author, has a background in journalism, having worked at a local newspaper, the BR capital studio, and as a social media officer for a volunteer organization, before starting at Business Insider in 2020. Her journalism training spans over several years, indicating a wealth of practical work experience prior to her current role.
