Sleep and Insomnia: The Cost of a Good Night's Sleep

Studies demonstrate that insomnia is a serious health problem whose treatment should be evidence-based because it is connected to diabetes, depression, drug abuse, and hypertension, among others. Roughly about twenty-five percent of adults have sleeping problems with an estimated ten percent of them having insomnia disorder. Insomniacs have problem staying or falling asleep and lack restorative sleep with daytime symptoms, including inattentiveness, mood disorder and fatigue. These studies recommend behavioral therapy as the best way of treating the condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy is free from the risks associated with drugs and employs approaches, such as sleep restriction, relaxation, stimulus control and education on better ways of sleeping.  

Probable Causes of Insomnia 

There is no common denominator for the insomnia disorder since there are myriads of contributing factors. Based on that reasoning, it has become extremely difficult to explain the medical condition leave alone getting a one-size-fits-all solution. Some of the causes of the condition are outlined below:  

• Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and medications.
• Anxiety, depression and pronounced stress.
• Illnesses and ongoing health conditions.
• Irregular sleep and poor sleep environment.
• Uncomfortable and unsupportive mattresses.

Solutions to Problem

As studies have show, the prevalence for insomnia is increasing with many people getting less sleep. While is of profound importance to rule out the possible medical causes of the condition, there are various ways that can help one get better sleep. For a disorder that is unrelated to a medical condition, the following recommendations can help ensure better sleep. 

• Avoid caffeine in the evenings.
• Have a bedtime routine for preparing your body and mind for sleep.
• Invest in adjustable beds.
• Reduce or avoid stress wherever possible.
• Redecorate your bedroom in soothing shades and colors blue and green.
• Remove colorful and bright item from your bedroom.
• Investing on adjustable mattresses. 

While most of the aforementioned tips are common sense, it may be difficult to note that mattresses can be a contributor to insomnia. It can impact on sleep and finding a good mattress is not about the high-end, it is finding adjustable mattresses that will promote air circulation and provide spinal support.