Insomnia, chronic: Insomnia that occurs most nights and lasts a month or more.
The treatment of chronic insomnia consists of:
There are specific and effective techniques that can reduce or eliminate anxiety and body tension. As a result, the person's mind is able to stop "racing," the muscles can relax, and restful sleep can occur. It usually takes much practice to learn these techniques and to achieve effective relaxation.
Some people suffering from insomnia spend too much time in bed unsuccessfully trying to sleep. They may benefit from a sleep restriction program that at first allows only a few hours of sleep during the night. Gradually the time is increased until a more normal night's sleep is achieved.
Another treatment that may help some people with insomnia is to recondition them to associate the bed and bedtime with sleep. For most people, this means not using their beds for any activities other than sleep and sex. As part of the reconditioning process, the person is usually advised to go to bed only when sleepy. If unable to fall asleep, the person is told to get up, stay up until sleepy, and then return to bed. Throughout this process, the person should avoid naps and wake up and go to bed at the same time each day. Eventually the person's body will be conditioned to associate the bed and bedtime with sleep.
Causes of Chronic Insomnia: Sleep problems seem to run in families. About 35% of people with insomnia have a family history of insomnia, with the mother being the most ...
Information on the symptoms and causes of insomnia, plus tips for curing it.
When a person has trouble sleeping for a month or longer, he or she may have chronic insomnia. This part of the eMedTV library discusses the symptoms, causes, risk ...
Many adults experience insomnia at some point, but some people have long-term (chronic) insomnia. You don't have to put up with sleepless nights.
But if it is happening three or more nights a week and this goes on for longer than a month, then you might be struggling with chronic insomnia.