Insomnia in South Africa

Types of Insomnia
Transient insomnia is a temporary disturbance of the normal sleep pattern. It generally lasts no more than several nights, and usually disappears on returning to a regular sleep pattern. Travel or relocation may cause it.

Short-term insomnia lasts for 2 - 3 weeks and can accompany worry or stress. It often disappears if the cause is resolved.

Chronic insomnia disrupts sleep for extended periods of time - sleeping problems occur for at least 3 nights a week for one month or more. It is a complicated disorder with potentially serious effects.

What causes Insomnia?
Insomnia is usually the result of an underlying condition. Discovering the cause is the most important step in relieving insomnia.

• Lifestyle factors are common causes of insomnia, particularly transient or short term insomnia. These include factors like high stress or anxiety, an uncomfortable sleeping environment, eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol or caffeine-containing drinks before bedtime, exercising just before bedtime and cigarette smoking.

• Medical conditions may cause chronic insomnia. These include chronic illnesses like kidney disease, heart failure or asthma, painful illnesses like arthritis or cancer, and hormone imbalances like hyperthyroidism, menopause or pregnancy.

• Psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety disorders or schizophrenia may be associated with chronic insomnia.

• Medications are a common cause of insomnia. Some antidepressants, high blood pressure and steroid medications can interfere with sleep. Many painkillers, decongestants and weight loss products contain caffeine and other stimulants which will keep a person awake. Reducing or stopping your regular dose of sleeping pills may also cause insomnia.

• Certain sleep disorders may result in insomnia. Restless leg syndrome is a condition where a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs or feet, preventing sleep. Periodic limb movement disorder is where uncontrollable twitching of the legs or arms prevent refreshing sleep. Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition in which people intermittently stop breathing for short periods during sleep, causing them to wake frequently. Circadian rhythm disorders develop due to time zone changes (jet lag), or in people who do shift work.

• Psycho Physiological Insomnia is one of the commonest causes of insomnia affecting about 5% of people. It develops when a person experiences a poor night's sleep and then has increased anxiety the next night, which again prevents him from falling asleep. This "vicious cycle" is repeated night after night, leading to chronic insomnia.

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