What are the symptoms of idiopathic insomnia. How is chronic insomnia diagnosed. What treatments are available for persistent sleep difficulties. Explore the evolution of idiopathic insomnia diagnosis and current approaches to managing sleep disorders.

The Evolution of Idiopathic Insomnia Diagnosis

Idiopathic insomnia, once considered a distinct diagnosis, has undergone significant changes in its classification within the medical community. Previously, it was defined as a sleep disorder that began in childhood without any identifiable cause. However, the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD) has since removed this diagnosis from its third edition (ICSD-III).

Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, explains, “Essentially, this is insomnia that is not due to any particular cause, such as anxiety, alcohol, caffeine, or jet lag. It is also not associated with another sleep disorder and is not linked to a mental [health condition], substance use, or a general medical condition.”

The current ICSD-III simplifies insomnia subtypes into three categories:

• Acute insomnia disorders (short-term)
• Chronic insomnia disorders (long-term)
• Other insomnia disorders (clinically significant but not meeting acute or chronic criteria)

Recognizing Chronic Insomnia Symptoms

The symptoms previously associated with idiopathic insomnia now align with the current definition of chronic insomnia disorder. These include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Trouble maintaining sleep, including frequent waking or difficulty returning to sleep
• Waking up too early

To qualify as chronic insomnia, these symptoms must persist for at least three nights per week for more than three months. Additionally, there should be no other clear explanation for the symptoms, such as substance use, medication side effects, or other sleep disorders like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or circadian rhythm disorders.

Can mental health conditions coexist with chronic insomnia?

Unlike the previous definition of idiopathic insomnia, the current understanding of chronic insomnia allows for coexisting mental health conditions. A person can be diagnosed with chronic insomnia even if they have a mental health condition, as long as that condition does not fully explain the sleep difficulties.

Diagnosing Chronic Insomnia: Challenges and Approaches

Diagnosing chronic insomnia can be challenging, as there is no specific test for the condition. Instead, doctors rely on a patient’s reported symptoms and may conduct tests to rule out other potential causes of sleep disturbances.

One common diagnostic tool is a sleep study, which can help eliminate other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea. However, distinguishing between insomnia that is a symptom of a mental health condition and chronic insomnia can be particularly difficult, especially in children who may struggle to articulate their thoughts and feelings accurately.

In cases where mental health conditions like anxiety or depression might be contributing factors, doctors may refer patients to mental health professionals for further evaluation.

Exploring the Causes of Chronic Insomnia

While the term “idiopathic” implies an unknown cause, sleep experts continue to debate whether true insomnia without any cause exists. Chronic insomnia has numerous potential triggers, and in some cases, these factors may be challenging to identify. Some known causes of insomnia include:

• Stress
• Poor sleep hygiene
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy
• Having a partner with sleep problems

Effective Treatment Strategies for Chronic Insomnia

Treatment for chronic insomnia often involves a multifaceted approach, combining behavioral therapies with lifestyle modifications. Some of the most effective strategies include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I is a specialized form of talk therapy designed to address persistent sleep difficulties. Dr. Dimitriu explains, “For insomnia, CBT consists of changing and challenging one’s beliefs about sleep and not getting enough of it.” A 2019 review suggests that CBT-I can be as effective as sleep medication without the associated side effects.

CBT-I focuses on both cognitive and behavioral aspects of sleep, including:

• Addressing thoughts and feelings about sleep
• Improving sleep hygiene
• Implementing sleep consolidation techniques

Sleep Hygiene Improvements

Sleep hygiene involves making changes to daily routines that promote better sleep. Some key aspects of good sleep hygiene include:

• Limiting electronic device use before bedtime
• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, especially in the evening
• Creating a comfortable sleep environment
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

The Role of Medication in Treating Chronic Insomnia

While behavioral approaches are often the first line of treatment for chronic insomnia, medication may be considered in some cases. However, it’s important to note that sleep medications should be used cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Types of sleep medications

There are several types of medications that may be prescribed for insomnia, including:

• Benzodiazepines
• Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics
• Melatonin receptor agonists
• Orexin receptor antagonists

Each type of medication works differently and may be more suitable for certain individuals based on their specific sleep issues and overall health profile.

Potential risks and side effects

While sleep medications can be effective in the short term, they may come with potential risks and side effects, such as:

• Daytime drowsiness
• Cognitive impairment
• Risk of dependence or addiction
• Interactions with other medications

It’s crucial for patients to discuss the benefits and risks of sleep medications with their healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

Lifestyle Modifications to Support Better Sleep

In addition to formal treatments like CBT-I and medication, certain lifestyle changes can significantly improve sleep quality for those with chronic insomnia. These modifications include:

Regular exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity can help regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle and promote better sleep. However, it’s important to avoid intense exercise close to bedtime, as this can have a stimulating effect.

Stress management techniques

Incorporating stress-reduction practices into daily routines can help alleviate sleep difficulties. Some effective techniques include:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga

Dietary considerations

What we eat and drink can significantly impact our sleep quality. Some dietary tips for better sleep include:

• Avoiding large meals close to bedtime
• Limiting caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening
• Reducing alcohol consumption, which can disrupt sleep patterns
• Staying hydrated throughout the day, but limiting fluid intake before bed

The Impact of Technology on Sleep Quality

In today’s digital age, the role of technology in sleep disturbances cannot be overlooked. The use of electronic devices before bedtime can significantly impact sleep quality and contribute to chronic insomnia.

Blue light exposure

Electronic devices emit blue light, which can interfere with the body’s natural production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep. To mitigate this effect, consider:

• Using blue light filters on devices
• Avoiding screen time for at least an hour before bed
• Utilizing “night mode” settings on smartphones and tablets

Digital detox strategies

Implementing a digital detox routine can help improve sleep quality. Some strategies include:

• Designating technology-free zones in the home, especially the bedroom
• Setting specific times for checking emails and social media
• Engaging in non-digital activities before bedtime, such as reading a physical book or practicing relaxation techniques

The Importance of Consistent Sleep Schedules

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for managing chronic insomnia. This practice helps regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up at desired times.

Tips for establishing a sleep routine

To create and maintain a consistent sleep schedule, consider the following tips:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s time to sleep
• Avoid naps, especially in the late afternoon or evening
• Expose yourself to natural light during the day to help regulate your circadian rhythm

By implementing these strategies and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals struggling with chronic insomnia can develop effective management plans to improve their sleep quality and overall well-being.

Idiopathic insomnia: Symptoms and treatment

Idiopathic insomnia used to be a distinct diagnosis to describe difficulty sleeping that began in childhood for no identifiable reason. However, sleep specialists no longer consider it to be a medical condition.

Idiopathic insomnia previously appeared in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD), a manual doctors use to diagnose sleep-related conditions. However, the authors removed it from the manual’s third edition (ICSD-III) due to concerns the diagnosis might not be valid.

Today, doctors consider these symptoms part of chronic insomnia or insomnia disorder, which is persistent difficulty sleeping that lasts at least 3 months.

Keep reading to learn more about idiopathic insomnia, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Idiopathic insomnia, or childhood-onset insomnia, was a sleep disorder diagnosis that appeared in previous editions of the ICSD. It involved long-term difficulty getting enough sleep, beginning in childhood.

Medical News Today reached out to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who founded Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and is board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, for his definition.

“Essentially, this is insomnia that is not due to any particular cause, such as anxiety, alcohol, caffeine, or jet lag,” explains Dr. Dimitriu. “It is also not associated with another sleep disorder and is not linked to a mental [health condition], substance use, or a general medical condition.”

“The sleep disturbance causes significant impairment in occupational, academic, social, behavioral, or other areas of functioning,” adds Dr. Dimitriu.

The ICSD-III simplifies several insomnia subtypes into three categories:

• acute insomnia disorders, which last a short amount of time
• chronic insomnia disorders, which last a longer amount of time
• other insomnia disorders, which are insomnia types that do not meet the criteria for acute or chronic but are still clinically significant

The symptoms of idiopathic insomnia are the same as those that fit the current definition of chronic insomnia disorder. These include:

• difficulty getting to sleep
• difficulty maintaining sleep, which may involve frequent waking or trouble returning to sleep after waking
• waking up too early

For a person to qualify as having chronic insomnia, they must experience symptoms persistently for at least 3 nights per week for more than 3 months. There must also be no other explanation for the symptoms, such as:

• substance use
• medication side effects
• other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or circadian rhythm disorder

Previously, doctors believed a person could not have idiopathic insomnia if a mental health condition, such as anxiety, was responsible for the symptoms. They referred to this as psychophysiological insomnia.

However, the newer definition of chronic insomnia does not have this stipulation. A person can still have chronic insomnia if the coexisting mental health condition does not adequately explain it.

Because there is no test for chronic or idiopathic insomnia, doctors make a diagnosis based on a person’s symptoms. They may also perform tests to rule out other explanations. For example, a sleep study could rule out narcolepsy or sleep apnea.

It can be difficult to distinguish between insomnia that is a symptom of a mental health condition and chronic insomnia. This may be especially true for children, who may have difficulty explaining their thoughts and feelings.

If conditions such as anxiety or depression could be a factor, a doctor may also refer the person to a mental health professional for an evaluation.

The term “idiopathic” means unknown. However, sleep experts are still debating whether people can really have insomnia with no cause.

Chronic insomnia has many potential causes, so it may be that in some cases, the factors are simply difficult to identify.

A few of the known causes of insomnia include:

• stress
• difficulties maintaining sleep hygiene
• hormonal changes
• pregnancy
• having a partner with sleep problems

Treatment for chronic insomnia may involve:

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a type of talk therapy experts have adapted for those with persistent sleep difficulties. “For insomnia, CBT consists of changing and challenging one’s beliefs about sleep and not getting enough of it,” said Dr. Dimitriu.

According to a 2019 review, CBT-I can have a similar impact to sleep medication, without causing side effects. In addition to addressing a person’s thoughts and feelings, CBT-I also looks at behaviors that may help with sleep, such as sleep hygiene and sleep consolidation.

Sleep hygiene involves making changes in a person’s daily routine that promote sleep. For example, they may limit the use of electronics at night and avoid using caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine.

“Keeping regular bed and wake times helps a lot, too, as sleep loves rhythm and regularity,” continues Dr. Dimitriu. “Patterns of oversleeping and under-sleeping can also be unhealthy. It is better to avoid oversleeping if possible because this can lead to insomnia the next night.”

Sleep consolidation refers to only using the bed for sleep, and getting up if sleep does not come. This aims to reduce the pressure a person may feel to fall asleep.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

These approaches help relax the nervous system. They can be part of CBT-I, or a person can learn them on their own.

“For teenagers, learning to quiet the mind and even meditate for 10 minutes per day can be helpful in slowing the brain down for sleep,” elaborates Dr. Dimitriu, who reminds clients “to start slowing down and turning off screens at about 10 p.m., which helps foster the transition to sleep.”

Other relaxation and mindfulness practices include:

• breathing techniques
• progressive muscle relaxation
• yoga or tai chi

Medication

Doctors may consider prescribing a medication to help with sleep where other interventions have not worked.

Difficulty sleeping from childhood on may be due chronic insomnia or another type of sleep disorder. Potential explanations include:

• Circadian rhythm disorders: These conditions affect the body’s natural sleep-wake pattern. For example, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder causes a person to sleep later and wake up later, and is fairly common in adolescents.
• Sleep-related breathing disorders: These include sleep apnea, which temporarily stops a person’s breathing in their sleep. This can reduce sleep quality or cause frequent waking.
• Behavioral insomnia of childhood: This refers to insomnia that children experience when they stall or refuse to go to sleep, or when they cannot sleep without special requirements, such as a caregiver rocking them.

People who are having persistent difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep may wish to speak with a doctor or sleep specialist. There are several types of insomnia and many possible causes, which a doctor can help identify.

Living with insomnia can be challenging, physically and emotionally. People may find it helpful to join support groups or forums with people having the same experiences. These groups can offer practical tips for managing the condition and help people feel that they are not alone.

Idiopathic insomnia was a condition doctors used to diagnose in people who had insomnia from childhood for no clear reason. Today, it no longer appears in diagnostic manuals due to concerns over its validity.

Instead, people with these symptoms may receive a diagnosis of chronic insomnia. Treatment for chronic insomnia can vary depending on the cause, but may include CBT-I, sleep hygiene techniques, stress reduction, and medication if behavior changes do not help.

Idiopathic insomnia: Symptoms and treatment

Idiopathic insomnia used to be a distinct diagnosis to describe difficulty sleeping that began in childhood for no identifiable reason. However, sleep specialists no longer consider it to be a medical condition.

Idiopathic insomnia previously appeared in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD), a manual doctors use to diagnose sleep-related conditions. However, the authors removed it from the manual’s third edition (ICSD-III) due to concerns the diagnosis might not be valid.

Today, doctors consider these symptoms part of chronic insomnia or insomnia disorder, which is persistent difficulty sleeping that lasts at least 3 months.

Keep reading to learn more about idiopathic insomnia, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Idiopathic insomnia, or childhood-onset insomnia, was a sleep disorder diagnosis that appeared in previous editions of the ICSD. It involved long-term difficulty getting enough sleep, beginning in childhood.

Medical News Today reached out to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who founded Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and is board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, for his definition.

“Essentially, this is insomnia that is not due to any particular cause, such as anxiety, alcohol, caffeine, or jet lag,” explains Dr. Dimitriu. “It is also not associated with another sleep disorder and is not linked to a mental [health condition], substance use, or a general medical condition. ”

“The sleep disturbance causes significant impairment in occupational, academic, social, behavioral, or other areas of functioning,” adds Dr. Dimitriu.

The ICSD-III simplifies several insomnia subtypes into three categories:

• acute insomnia disorders, which last a short amount of time
• chronic insomnia disorders, which last a longer amount of time
• other insomnia disorders, which are insomnia types that do not meet the criteria for acute or chronic but are still clinically significant

The symptoms of idiopathic insomnia are the same as those that fit the current definition of chronic insomnia disorder. These include:

• difficulty getting to sleep
• difficulty maintaining sleep, which may involve frequent waking or trouble returning to sleep after waking
• waking up too early

For a person to qualify as having chronic insomnia, they must experience symptoms persistently for at least 3 nights per week for more than 3 months. There must also be no other explanation for the symptoms, such as:

• substance use
• medication side effects
• other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or circadian rhythm disorder

Previously, doctors believed a person could not have idiopathic insomnia if a mental health condition, such as anxiety, was responsible for the symptoms. They referred to this as psychophysiological insomnia.

However, the newer definition of chronic insomnia does not have this stipulation. A person can still have chronic insomnia if the coexisting mental health condition does not adequately explain it.

Because there is no test for chronic or idiopathic insomnia, doctors make a diagnosis based on a person’s symptoms. They may also perform tests to rule out other explanations. For example, a sleep study could rule out narcolepsy or sleep apnea.

It can be difficult to distinguish between insomnia that is a symptom of a mental health condition and chronic insomnia. This may be especially true for children, who may have difficulty explaining their thoughts and feelings.

If conditions such as anxiety or depression could be a factor, a doctor may also refer the person to a mental health professional for an evaluation.

The term “idiopathic” means unknown. However, sleep experts are still debating whether people can really have insomnia with no cause.

Chronic insomnia has many potential causes, so it may be that in some cases, the factors are simply difficult to identify.

A few of the known causes of insomnia include:

• stress
• difficulties maintaining sleep hygiene
• hormonal changes
• pregnancy
• having a partner with sleep problems

Treatment for chronic insomnia may involve:

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a type of talk therapy experts have adapted for those with persistent sleep difficulties. “For insomnia, CBT consists of changing and challenging one’s beliefs about sleep and not getting enough of it,” said Dr. Dimitriu.

According to a 2019 review, CBT-I can have a similar impact to sleep medication, without causing side effects. In addition to addressing a person’s thoughts and feelings, CBT-I also looks at behaviors that may help with sleep, such as sleep hygiene and sleep consolidation.

Sleep hygiene involves making changes in a person’s daily routine that promote sleep. For example, they may limit the use of electronics at night and avoid using caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine.

“Keeping regular bed and wake times helps a lot, too, as sleep loves rhythm and regularity,” continues Dr. Dimitriu. “Patterns of oversleeping and under-sleeping can also be unhealthy. It is better to avoid oversleeping if possible because this can lead to insomnia the next night.”

Sleep consolidation refers to only using the bed for sleep, and getting up if sleep does not come. This aims to reduce the pressure a person may feel to fall asleep.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

These approaches help relax the nervous system. They can be part of CBT-I, or a person can learn them on their own.

“For teenagers, learning to quiet the mind and even meditate for 10 minutes per day can be helpful in slowing the brain down for sleep,” elaborates Dr. Dimitriu, who reminds clients “to start slowing down and turning off screens at about 10 p.m., which helps foster the transition to sleep.”

Other relaxation and mindfulness practices include:

• breathing techniques
• progressive muscle relaxation
• yoga or tai chi

Medication

Doctors may consider prescribing a medication to help with sleep where other interventions have not worked.

Difficulty sleeping from childhood on may be due chronic insomnia or another type of sleep disorder. Potential explanations include:

• Circadian rhythm disorders: These conditions affect the body’s natural sleep-wake pattern. For example, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder causes a person to sleep later and wake up later, and is fairly common in adolescents.
• Sleep-related breathing disorders: These include sleep apnea, which temporarily stops a person’s breathing in their sleep. This can reduce sleep quality or cause frequent waking.
• Behavioral insomnia of childhood: This refers to insomnia that children experience when they stall or refuse to go to sleep, or when they cannot sleep without special requirements, such as a caregiver rocking them.

People who are having persistent difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep may wish to speak with a doctor or sleep specialist. There are several types of insomnia and many possible causes, which a doctor can help identify.

Living with insomnia can be challenging, physically and emotionally. People may find it helpful to join support groups or forums with people having the same experiences. These groups can offer practical tips for managing the condition and help people feel that they are not alone.

Idiopathic insomnia was a condition doctors used to diagnose in people who had insomnia from childhood for no clear reason. Today, it no longer appears in diagnostic manuals due to concerns over its validity.

Instead, people with these symptoms may receive a diagnosis of chronic insomnia. Treatment for chronic insomnia can vary depending on the cause, but may include CBT-I, sleep hygiene techniques, stress reduction, and medication if behavior changes do not help.

What is insomnia, causes and treatment

Insomnia (insomnia) is a sleep disorder in which a person cannot fall asleep, fully relax and recuperate. According to world medical statistics, more than 35% of women and almost 30% of men suffer from this disease. In children, insomnia is diagnosed less often – about one in four.

Many patients do not pay attention to the disease or try to cope with it on their own. As a result, a persistent sleep disorder develops – chronic insomnia, which is difficult to treat and causes many health problems. In the presence of such a disease, the patient should seek an initial consultation with a general practitioner.

What is considered insomnia

A healthy person needs at least 6-10 hours of sleep per day for a good rest. During this time, the body recovers, the brain processes the information received during the day. The period of immersion in sleep takes no more than 15 minutes.

It is impossible to do without rest for more than 200 hours. If sleep is insufficient, a person feels a breakdown, irritability. With chronic lack of sleep, a decrease in immunity, lethargy, and the development of mental disorders are possible.

Insomnia is a violation not only of the quantity but also of the quality of sleep. Even with severe fatigue in the evening, a person goes to bed and tries for a very long time to find a comfortable position, to relax. Sleep becomes interrupted. In the morning the patient with insomnia still feels tired. Insomnia is diagnosed when there are three or more episodes every week for a month.

Causes of pathology

There are many factors that can affect sleep.

Among the main causes of insomnia:

• genetic predisposition;
• taking certain medications;
• alcohol abuse;
• overeating before bed;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• depressions, neuroses;
• increased emotional excitability;
• adverse environmental conditions during falling asleep: cold, heat, hard mattress, etc.;
• parkinsonism, other neurological disorders;
• arthritis, arthrosis, pathologies with severe pain syndrome;
• diseases of the kidneys and bladder, causing frequent urge to urinate;
• restless leg syndrome.

Occasionally, insomnia may occur due to flights between time zones or work schedule changes (eg night work). After the elimination of the provoking factor, rest is restored.

Insomnia in a woman is often caused by menstrual irregularities, pregnancy or the onset of menopause.

Elderly patients and people in difficult life situations are also at risk.

Types of insomnia

According to the type of provoking factors, insomnia happens:

• Adaptive. Symptoms of insomnia appear on the background of severe stress, for example, moving to a different climate zone. Adaptive insomnia does not require serious treatment and can go away on its own within a few weeks.
• Psychophysiological. The patient is afraid in advance that he will not be able to sleep. By evening, the tension intensifies, the fear grows.
• Idiopathic. Insomnia develops from childhood. Often it is not possible to establish the exact cause of the violation.
• Behavioral. This type of insomnia usually affects young children who are accustomed to certain rituals. For example, if a child who has always been rocked is simply put in a crib, he will be capricious and spin for a very long time. Behavioral insomnia can occur while weaning a baby from the breast or pacifier.
• Based on mental disorders. More than 70% of cases of insomnia are diagnosed in patients with neuropsychiatric diseases.
• On the basis of a violation of sleep hygiene. The cause of insomnia is a person’s inattention to his daily routine, work and rest schedule. Coffee before bedtime, bright noise and light are also provoking factors.
• Caused by somatic disease. Any health problem can be the cause: abdominal pain due to gastritis, sleep apnea, cough due to bronchitis, etc.
• Pseudoinsomnia. A person’s sleep remains normal both in quality and duration, but the patient feels sleep deprivation. It seems to him that he rested less time than actually elapsed.

According to the duration of manifestations, insomnia is:

• Transient. Sleep disturbances are of short duration, lasting several days. Transient insomnia is caused by changes in the environment, such as moving or depression.
• Sharp. Sleep disturbances are regular, but last no more than a month. Acute insomnia is more often associated with stress. Patients have difficulty falling asleep, sleep becomes short, intermittent.
• Chronic. Insomnia lasts for several months and is triggered by various factors. Patients note periods of deterioration and improvement in their condition.

Symptoms of insomnia

Sleep disorders cannot be confused with another disease. At night, a person cannot rest, and during the day he becomes distracted and irritable. I want to sleep all the time. Insomnia does not allow you to focus on the performance of job duties, causes a decline in motivation. Additionally, it is possible to develop headaches, indigestion.

Insomnia in children

The timing of sleep varies widely among children. One child needs a long rest, another 6 hours is enough to feel full of energy. If at the same time the children are active, cheerful, then doctors recommend not to worry. Both options can be considered the norm – both long and short sleep.

As the child grows older, they may sleep less and less. The reason for concern should be the capriciousness, irritability of the child, his active unwillingness to go to bed in the evening. Nervousness makes sleep “torn”. The child does not sleep well on his own and does not allow his parents to rest.

It is important not to miss the first manifestations of insomnia, when children’s sleep is still quite easy to correct. To do this, the process of preparing for the rest must be made pleasant and relaxing. You can bathe the child, give him warm milk, allow him to take his favorite toy to bed. Do not insist on daytime sleep if the baby does not want to, and do not let him fall asleep early in the evening: distract him with a book, cartoons, a walk.

You should not go to bed with your child and wait for him to fall asleep. If joint rest becomes a habit, it will be difficult to get rid of it. Ignore whims, gently but persistently put the child alone, and over time he will learn to fall asleep on his own.

Diagnosis of insomnia

When the first problems with a night’s rest appear, it is necessary to make an appointment with a doctor. To diagnose insomnia, a special assessment technique has been developed – the Epworth scale. With its help, the severity of symptoms is assessed and treatment is prescribed. It is also important to establish the cause of insomnia in a man or woman and eliminate the factor.

At the first consultation, the doctor takes an anamnesis. Finds out how long ago the problems with sleep began, what factors could provoke them. The patient is advised to keep a special diary. Every day, the time of falling asleep and waking up, the number of sleep interruptions during the night are entered into the notebook. The patient should describe his feelings in the morning. Based on the diary information, the doctor evaluates the quality and duration of sleep. Data are also needed to select the appropriate treatment.

An alternative to the diary is the actigraphy procedure. The patient is given a special measuring device that must be worn on the wrist for a week. Actigraphy is performed on an outpatient basis.

If insomnia is caused by a medical condition, a diagnosis is made to determine the underlying cause. Treatment of the underlying pathology eliminates sleep problems.

Treatment of insomnia

It is important not to self-medicate. Uncontrolled intake of sleeping pills and any other drugs, at best, will not bring the expected result, and at worst, it will provoke side effects. Insomnia will progress, and medications will negatively affect your overall health. Be sure to see a doctor.

The treatment of insomnia is complex, including consultations of related specialists, taking medications and other auxiliary methods.

Psychotherapy

The doctor helps to overcome crisis situations, cope with neurosis, stress, apathy. The course of psychotherapy includes several sessions at the discretion of the specialist.

One of the methods of treatment is hypnosis. The technology is used for severe violations.

Paradoxical intention technique

A special treatment method aimed at changing perception (cognitive reframing technique). The patient is advised not to think about a night’s sleep, but, on the contrary, to make every effort to stay awake. The method is effective in most applications.

Medical treatment

There are many drugs available to improve the quality of sleep. The medicine is selected individually, taking into account the state of health, the severity of symptoms, the patient’s lifestyle. Proper treatment should help in the normalization of sleep, but at the same time not create serious side effects and not interfere with daily activities.

More often doctors opt for herbal preparations. Medicines have a cumulative effect and are not addictive. Synthetic sleeping pills are taken in a strictly calculated dosage and for a limited period. In most cases, depressants are prescribed (Doxepin, Amitriptyline and others). Means have a quick sedative effect, help regulate sleep, exhibit antiadrenergic, antihistamine, anticholinergic properties. Antidepressants promote falling asleep, increase the total duration of rest.

It is possible to prescribe drugs based on melatonin, the sleep hormone. The drug is effective against chronic insomnia, especially in the elderly. The remedy is prescribed for 3 weeks, after which it is necessary to take a break.

Important: hormonal preparations have many contraindications. For example, Melatonin should not be given to pregnant women and adolescent girls. In each case, the medication must be agreed with the gynecologist.

Massage

Reflex massage has no contraindications, and you can do it yourself. Just 15-20 minutes before bed will help improve the patient’s condition. There are various massage techniques that are aimed at stimulating biologically active points on the ears, neck, abdomen, and feet.

Breathing exercises

Rhythmic inhalations and exhalations stimulate blood circulation in the tissues of the brain, improve the functioning of internal organs. Breathing exercises help elderly people cope well with insomnia, but even children can easily master simple exercises. It is important that classes bring pleasure and do not create additional stress. A set of exercises will be selected by the doctor.

The patient must remember that breathing should be through the nose with a short and strong inhalation and a long exhalation. You can mentally keep score so that the exercises are rhythmic.

Spa treatment

Regular courses have a beneficial effect not only on sleep, but also on the general state of human health. It is recommended to relax in sanatoriums at least once a year. In the institution, patients observe a sleep schedule, receive a set of therapeutic and restorative procedures, undergo massage courses, herbal medicine, mud baths, etc.

Prevention of insomnia

In most cases, insomnia can be corrected at the first manifestation and prevent its recurrence. It is necessary to think over the daily routine, in which at least 8 hours are allotted for sleep.

To reduce the symptoms of insomnia, the following actions will help:

1. Go to bed at the same time every day. Warm tea, a herbal bath, favorite pajamas help many people relax – do not break the usual rituals.

2. Give up alcohol, smoking. Alcohol can have a short-term sedative effect and speed up falling asleep, but it negatively affects the deep sleep phase. A person can suddenly get up at night and can no longer sleep.

3. Give up coffee or keep it to a minimum. Caffeine is able to linger in the cells during the day. Undesirable substances are also found in chocolate, strong tea. You can eat such foods only in the morning.

4. Read medication instructions carefully and consult your doctor. Many over-the-counter medications that are taken for colds or headaches contain ephedrine. The substance has a stimulating effect on the body. If the medication affects sleep, ask your doctor to change the dosage or change the medication.

5. Do not overeat before bed. A full stomach will work all night and send signals to the brain – in the morning there will be a feeling of fatigue. To satisfy your hunger, you can drink a glass of kefir, milk or a cup of herbal tea.

6. Take a warm bath. Some are helped by water procedures 2 hours before bedtime, some just before going to bed. Time is determined individually. Flavored foams, herbal decoctions can be added to the bath.

7. Exercise in the morning. A few simple exercises will help you tone up and create moderate physical activity. Regular exercise contributes to better falling asleep in the evening.

8. Practice good sleep hygiene. The room should be dark, quiet and cool enough – + 15 … + 18 ° С. It is better to choose a mattress that is dense, but not hard, on which the body feels comfortable. Some people find it difficult to fall asleep in silence, they use “background” noises, such as turning on the air conditioner or soft instrumental music.

9. Avoid long naps. Short rest periods of 20 minutes will have an invigorating effect on the body, but longer daytime sleep contributes to insomnia.

10. Contrary to the stereotype, counting sheep is not worth it. When a person is focused on any action, active processes take place in the brain that interfere with sleep.

Diagnosis and treatment of insomnia in Moscow

MedEx Personal Medicine Clinic invites you to a consultation on the causes and treatment of insomnia. Experienced doctors will help find a solution in the most difficult cases. Call us to make an appointment with a neurologist.

Insomnia | Hea Une Keskus

Insomnia
(sleep disorder, insomnia)

…well, I can’t fall asleep even though I went to bed early…it doesn’t matter, my fatigue still doesn’t go away…yes, I’m fine, I’m healthy…well, why?…it’s all happened before. ..like sand in my eyes, my heart is pounding….I don’t understand why I’m so nervous!!!…I’m telling you, all of you are against me…it’s stress…why is it taking so long?.. .well, I’m not sleeping…I’d rather read…or better take a couple of pills…

Insomnia is characterized by the following

Insomnia refers to difficulty falling asleep, restless and interrupted sleep, or waking up too early. Almost all people experience transient and short-term sleep disturbances at some point in their lives. Such short-term insomnia is one of the possible reactions of a person to life events. Insomnia can return, manifest itself over time, begin to tire and interfere with life. A person suffering from insomnia loses the desire to communicate with friends, he is unable to engage in a hobby.

The well-being of a person suffering from insomnia

A person suffering from insomnia is not sleepy, he complains of fatigue, understands that he has problems with attention, absent-mindedness, he is not able to make decisions, his speed of work decreases. Some insomniacs are sometimes unable to go to work. If insomnia continues for some time, anxiety also grows – a person thinks about insomnia during the day, is afraid to go to bed in the evening. The insomniac realizes that he is more irritable, more anxious, his mood is changeable, some insomniacs are easily irritated or violent. After a sleepless night, a person’s eyes are heavy, his head is buzzing, some have palpitations and pain in the region of the heart. Chronic insomnia in most cases does not go away on its own and needs to be treated.

Different types of insomnia

Insomnia can occur in many different ways. Medicine distinguishes the following forms of insomnia:

• insomnia as a disorder of adjustment
• psychophysiological insomnia
• paradoxical insomnia
• idiopathic insomnia
• insomnia due to mental disorders
• inadequate sleep hygiene
• insomnia due to substance use, incl. alcohol
• insomnia due to bodily disturbances
• non-organic insomnia (non-substance or physiological, non-specific)
• physiological (organic) insomnia

Insomnia can occur, for example, for the following reasons:

• wakefulness and sleep rhythm disturbances, late sleep syndrome
• early sleep syndrome, irregular rhythm of wakefulness and sleep
• free-running
• jet lag sleep disorder
• insomnia due to shift work
• disturbance of the rhythm of wakefulness and sleep due to a health problem
• unspecified violation of the rhythm of wakefulness and sleep
• other disorder of wakefulness and sleep due to medication or substance

About treatment in general

In order to get rid of insomnia, after clarifying the patient’s problem and its causes, the specialist will suggest suitable treatment options.