Insomnia, according to the U.S. National Sleep Foundation, is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, regardless of the circumstances.
There are several types of insomnia, including acute and chronic insomnia. If you have insomnia, you may feel like you cannot get enough sleep, or that your sleep is not satisfactory. Acute insomnia is short-lived, and may occur because you are stressed about an exam, a job interview, or have received disheartening news. Acute insomnia usually resolves after a few days and does not require any treatment. Chronic insomnia is a much more serious problem.
What Are the Symptoms of Insomnia?
Symptoms of insomnia include fatigue, low energy, difficulty with concentration, mood swings or disturbances, and less than satisfactory performance at work or at school. Chronic insomnia consists of at least three nights of disrupted sleep per week, lasting for three months or more. If you have this type of insomnia, consult with your physician immediately. Chronic insomnia may cause the following symptoms:
- Ongoing worries about sleep
- Difficulty paying attention
- Difficulty focusing on tasks or with memory
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
- Not feeling well-rested after a night’s sleep
- Waking up during the night
- Waking up too early
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
If you are experiencing many of these symptoms, and are having trouble functioning throughout your day, it’s time to visit your doctor. Insomnia can affect your physical and mental health, as well, so seeing a doctor is important.
What Causes Insomnia?
Chronic insomnia may be caused by the same issues that cause acute insomnia, but on a stronger scale. It can also be caused by high stress, a disruptive travel or work schedule, poor sleep habits, or eating too much food late in the evening before you go to bed. Poor sleep habits include:
- Irregular bedtime schedules
- Naps
- Stimulating activities like intense exercise before bed
- An uncomfortable sleep environment
- Using your bed for work
- Eating
- Watching TV, playing video games, or using smartphones just before bed
Eating just before bed can cause indigestion when you lie down, caused by acid reflux. In addition, insomnia may be related to:
- Mental health disorders
- Medications
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- GERD
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Sleep apnea
- Restless legs syndrome
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Alcohol
- Aging
How is Insomnia Treated?
Insomnia may be treated with medications, some of which can be addictive. Good sleep practices are also an excellent way to treat insomnia, such as keeping bedtimes consistent, even on weekends, staying active, avoiding or limiting naps, avoiding or limiting caffeine and alcohol, not using nicotine, and avoiding large meals and beverages before bedtime. In addition, using your bed only for sex and sleep and creating a relaxing bedtime ritual like a bath, reading, or listening to soft music may help.
How Can CBD Stop Insomnia?
If none of these solutions work for you, and you don’t want to take medications that may cause addiction, further problems, or sleepiness in the mornings, CBD (cannabidiol) may be a great help. CBD is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, and can be used in vaping a CBD Flower, a tincture, spray, pill, oil, or topical form. CBD affects the brain and body through regulating sleep-wake cycles, emotions, inflammation, and pain. CBD reduces anxiety and improves sleep amount and quality in many who suffer from insomnia. It may also improve REM sleep, which is key to feeling rested. If you suffer from insomnia, trying CBD may help you sleep better every night.
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