Understanding Transient Insomnia

Most people suffer from sleeplessness or insomnia at some point in their lives, and approximately 30-50% of adults get affected by this condition. Difficulty in initiating or maintaining the sleep is defined as insomnia, and this can lead to impaired daytime functioning. Insomnia is a common condition affecting 30-50% of adults, and more than 10% of general population suffers from chronic insomnia. Transient or short-term insomnia is most common, and normally lasts for few days only.

Insomnia lasting less than a week is called transient insomnia, if lasting for more than a week but less than three weeks is referred to as short term insomnia, and if lasting for more than three weeks, is called long-term or chronic insomnia. There are many causes associated with insomnia, and some of the most common causes include illicit drug use, jet lag, cigarette smoking, certain medications, alcohol intoxication, caffeine, working different shift, stressful life situations or physical discomfort such as death of a loved one, loss of job, divorce, examination and so on. Sleep hygiene is very important in insomnia, and poor sleep hygiene such as exercising or eating prior to sleep, using bedroom for things other than sleeping, doing work in bed, sleeping in the room with too much light or sound and going to bed hungry can cause insomnia. Transient insomnia is usually caused by certain temporary situation in life such as medical illness, argument with the loved one or just jet lag.

Some of the common symptoms of transient insomnia are impaired daytime functioning, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, mood swings, headaches, anxiety, poor attention, poor social function, and increased mistakes and errors. A person suffering from insomnia does not feel refreshed in the morning, there is difficulty in falling asleep, or the person wakes up in the early hours and is unable to go back to sleep. Physician performs general physical examination including neurological function, measurement of waist size and neck circumference and assessment of mental status. Seniors, travelers, pregnant women, shift worker, adolescents and menopausal women are at the higher risk for developing insomnia.

If insomnia lasts more than 3-4 weeks, the person needs medical attention. Insomnia can be the symptom of any other underlying psychological or medical problem which must be addressed first. Relaxation therapy, sleep hygiene, sleep restriction and stimulus control are the non-pharmacologic therapies to treat insomnia. You need to follow doctor’s recommendations, and after following the treatment plan, give feedback to the doctor.

Insomnia treatment includes eliminating, alleviating or coping with any emotional and physical problems causing the problem. Change in lifestyle can also improve the situation. Though most people suffer from sleepless nights, very few seek the medical attention, and remain unaware of the medical and behavioral treatment options available. To help get a sleep, avoid the use of caffeine, find ways to manage stress in your life, exercise regularly, do not take nap during the daytime, eat only light meals before going to bed, and do not lie in the bed worrying about things.