Is your health being affected by the results of insomnia?

Over the past years, cases of insomnia have begun to slowly increase with over 35% of society now being impacted by the effects of insomnia in their day to day lives in some shape or form. Developing a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of these symptoms can enable individuals to overcome this sleep depreciating disorder that is, Insomnia. 

What is insomnia?

Essentially, insomnia is a disorder that is characterised by the strenuous difficulty of falling and staying asleep. People with insomnia most often than not, experience the following symptoms such as fatigue, extremely low energy, variances in mood, experiencing difficulties concentrating and an overall decreased performance at work or at school.

Why we get insomnia?

In order to correctly treat and cure an individual’s insomnia, it is essential to understand the underlying cause as to why they are experiencing this sleep disorder. Insomnia can be brought on by an array of underlying elements such as one’s emotional issues that can stem from stress, anxiety and or depression as well as daytime habits, sleep routines and one’s overall physical health. Once the root cause is identified the treatment can then be tailored accordingly.

Insomnia symptoms may include:

-          Struggling to fall asleep at night

-          Waking up repeatedly through the night

-          Waking up too early

-          Daytime tiredness or feeling sleepy

-          Anxiety

-          Irritability

-          Increased errors and or accidents

What happens to our bodies when we get insomnia?

If you have ever spent a night tossing and turning in bed struggling to fall asleep, you already know how you feel the next day – irritable, cranky and just simply not all with it. When we don't experience and hit our recommended daily dose of shut-eye, we tend to always feel not our usual selves that following day. As imagined, the long-term effects of insomnia are incredibly raw and real, as it puts a tremendous strain on our mental and physical health.

Insomnia has been linked to a wide range of health problems, from weight gain, memory issues, mood changes, weakened immune system, decreased ability to concentrate and think clearly as well as a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Remedies for insomnia?

When experiencing insomnia, individuals will do almost anything to combat and overcome their sleepless nights. Here are our best remedies for insomnia:

-          Mindful meditation - This consists of slow and steady breathing while sitting in a comfortable and quiet environment. One of the greatest benefits of meditation is that you can go for as little or as long as you like.

-          Yoga - Yoga has the ability to alleviate stresses, improve the bodies overall physical functioning, increase mental focus and transform the body and mind into a relaxed state.

-          Exercise - We all have extremely busy lives and sometimes exercising does not fall into our schedules. Though exercising is incredibly important as it enhances your mood, provides you with increased energy and promotes better quality sleep.

-          Lavender oil - A 2014 study discovered that lavender oil was a key element in improving sleep patterns and one's overall mood whilst lowering anxiety.

Our bodies need a required amount of quality sleep, just like we need air and food to correctly function for our highest ability. Insomnia can decrease your quality of life, so if you feel that you are struggling with lack of sleep, consult your pharmacist today to discuss how they can help.