Insomnia is the constant sleep disorder that prevents us from sleeping or from going back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night. Indeed, it is a problem that affects both the elderly and the young. It can have consequences on health (depression, cardiovascular disease), but also on professional performance (lack of concentration, loss of memory, fatigue, irritability, sleepiness). What are the types of insomnia ? What should we do to get back to a good night’s sleep? 

Types of insomnia

There are different types of insomnia . Indeed, this problem affects people in different ways, either by duration or by cause. There are 5 types:

• Acute insomnia

It is characterized by a short duration (a few days or weeks). It is the most common type of insomnia . Its main cause is that it occurs most often after a stressful event (death of a loved one …). In addition to that, the environment can cause acute insomnia . We have for example, the trip to a new city or country or the fact of sleeping at a friend. Finally, it can be caused by discomfort (pain). Isn’t it said that “the infirmities of the body alter the mind”.

• Chronic insomnia 

This type lasts longer than acute insomnia (successively for at least a month). There are two types (primary CI and secondary chronic insomnia ). Primary CI has no real cause, while secondary insomnia , which is the most common, occurs at the same time as an event. The various causes of CI include medical conditions (diabetes, etc.), mental problems, and drug and coffee use.

• Insomnia of initiation

It is characterized by the difficulty of introducing sleep. It can be either acute or chronic. It is most often caused by psychological problems (anxiety, stress …).

• Insomnia maintenance

It is characterized by the fact of getting up too early, or by the difficulty to keep sleeping. It can be caused by mental problems (depression).

• Children’s insomnia

This affects about 25% of children. It is caused either by the refusal of the child to go to bed, or by the action of constantly postponing the time of sleep.

Insomnia: what are the consequences?

To stay healthy, sleep is the key. We know that an adult needs an average of 7 hours of sleep per night. For teenagers and pre-teens, more time is needed. If we don’t respect this and accumulate sleep deprivation, it will have many physical and moral consequences. However, knowing that you suffer from insomnia without treatment can have more serious consequences. 

That is why we will share with you some of the consequences of insomnia on your health, your hair and your social relations with your entourage either on a personal or professional level.

• Consequences On health:

• Cardiovascular diseases: if insomnia problems are not treated, it can cause cardiac arrest.
• The severity of existing diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes.) 
• Cognitive problems. Lack of sleep can cause attention problems, difficulties in making decisions, in learning, but also in concentrating. It can cause memory problems (not sleeping can slow down thinking) and thus impact your work.
• Lack of sleep can also impact your mental health and cause mood problems (irritability, aggressiveness, mood swings, overreactions).
• Obesity and related problems. Insomniacs often find themselves eating too much at any given time. This can cause excess weight, lower back pain, joint problems. This problem affects young people and children a lot.

• Social consequences

– Difficulties at school

– Excessive use of drugs

– Concentrating difficulties at work.

What to do to sleep better?

To sleep better, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle (play sports regularly, avoid naps, do not consume too many stimulants during the day, avoid using drugs and alcohol …). However, there are natural alternatives that can help us easily find sleep (uses of natural plants). We can mention among them:

• Valerian root

Valerian root is the most used herb to reduce insomnia . It is available in different forms (teas, food supplements). It is very effective for the treatment of sleep disorders.

• Passionflower

Native to the subtropical regions of America, passionflower is recognized for its benefits in the human body. It has calming and sedative effects, allowing to treat insomnia problems, but also stress, nervousness, eating disorders. 

• Melatonin

It is the hormone naturally produced by the brain. It will regulate sleep to wakefulness, hence the name “sleep-wake”.) It is used as a treatment for sleep disorders, but also for anxiety, lack of energy. It comes in tablet form.

• Escholtzia

Or California poppy, this plant is used to relieve stress and facilitate sleep. It is presented in the form of a capsule or a herbal tea.

• The birdsfoot trefoil

The birdsfoot trefoil , plant with yellow flowers, it is composed of medicinal virtues equivalent to that of the passion flower. They have several properties (antidepressants, antispasmodics) treating sleep problems but also cardiovascular diseases. It is presented in the form of infusion, mother tincture and fluid extract.

• Chamomile:

The chamomile plant has a calming and sedative effect that can facilitate sleep. It comes in the form of an herbal tea to be taken before bedtime. Once consumed, you can say goodbye to insomnia .

Conclusion

In summary, we can say that insomnia is the difficulty to falling asleep. It is a common problem in our society, and no one is immune. It should be noted that it carries many risks to our health, which leads us to say that it should not be ignored. As we have already mentioned, there are different ways to treat this sleep disorder, which can help with sleep, such as natural herbs in association with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.

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