Insomnia: Tired of being tired?
A good night’s sleep might be your answer.
Have you tried counting sheep or drinking a glass of warm milk to fall asleep? Or, have you taken over-the-counter supplements that promise you a good night’s sleep? If none of these remedies have led to success, you might consider visiting one of our Fairview Sleep Centers. Tom Gustafson, M.D., a Fairview sleep specialist, says an estimated 6 to 10 percent of the population suffers from problematic insomnia, and those who do are at an increased risk of depression and anxiety, which can result in other health problems if not addressed.
Insomnia is the term used to describe problems falling asleep, staying asleep, early morning awakening or poor quality sleep. Possible causes for insomnia include “biological clock” problems, i.e., menopause, problems with circadian rhythms (your days and nights are mixed up), obstructive sleep apnea (collapsing of your airway momentarily stops breathing), restless legs syndrome (RLS) and other medical and behavioral illnesses.
Having occasional insomnia is normal, but insomnia might be abnormal if it occurs on a regular basis, or if it makes you so sleepy during the day and prevents you from completing your normal routines and activities. About 10 percent of the population has this kind of insomnia.
The first step to finding out how to get a good night’s sleep is to meet with a doctor. Dr. Gustafson says that doctors take insomnia seriously due to its significant impact on quality of life, higher risk of serious accidents, missed work and increased risk of depression or anxiety. Treatment can include medications, light therapy, behavioral changes and/or referral to a sleep specialist. Fairview has sleep centers throughout the metro, staffed by sleep specialists who can diagnose and treat your sleep disorders.
Primary Insomnia
Parasomnias
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