"Stress" or "Disorder": Check the Warning Signs of "Chronic Insomnia"

     One quiet night, in a silent bedroom... even though it is quiet, we can clearly hear our own heartbeat, or even the ticking of the wall clock. If a needle were to fall, we might even hear it hit the floor. The numbers on the smartwatch screen show 3:00 AM, while thoughts in our head are still racing. "Why can't I fall asleep?" "I have an important presentation tomorrow." "My brain is so exhausted, so why are my eyes still wide open like this?"

If you have ever found yourself in this situation, you are not alone.

Symptoms of Sleeplessness

     Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep despite having the opportunity and environment conducive to sleep. Statistics show that up to 1 in 3 people have experienced this issue.

When is it considered a "Disorder"?

     For most people, sleeplessness is temporary and goes away on its own. However, about 6-15% may develop into "Chronic Insomnia Disorder," which is diagnosed by difficulty sleeping at least 3 days per week for 3 months or more and begins to impact quality of life, such as poor memory, mood swings, or increased risk of accidents and heart disease.

Causes of Insomnia

Causes can stem from various factors such as stress, lifestyle habits like using screens before bed, chronic pain, or Sleep Apnea.

Treating Insomnia

A doctor will begin with a medical history, physical exam, and assessment of the severity and chronicity of the insomnia. Current treatments primarily include two paths:

• CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia): Adjusting thoughts and sleep behaviors, which is the gold standard for non-medication treatment.
• Medication: Under the supervision of a physician.
• Supplementary Care: Sleep hygiene recommendations and relaxation techniques.

"Insomnia" is not a small matter to be endured. If it begins to affect your daily life, consulting a doctor to find the root cause will help you return to peaceful nights and bright mornings once again.