| Insomnia is the
disturbance of a normal sleep pattern, and it’s estimated
that approximately one in four people will suffer from the
condition at some point in their life.
Insomnia can leave people feeling drained
and exhausted, resulting in poor performance at work, lack
of concentration and irritability.
Some people need more sleep than other people,
and age often influences the amount of time an individual
spends sleeping. Generally, a baby needs about 16 to 17 hours
of sleep a day, an older child needs about 9 to 10 hours,
and most adults need approximately 7 to 9 hours each day.
However, this varies from person to person,
their lifestyle, diet and environment. Anyone can suffer from
insomnia, however sleeping problems are very common among
menopausal women, the elderly, smokers, alcoholics and the
ill.
Insomnia can last for days, weeks or even
years and can be extremely distressing, exhausting, depressing
and frustrating.
If the condition lasts 2 to 3 days it’s
often referred to as transient insomnia, if it lasts for more
than a few days but less than 3 weeks it’s usually referred
to as short-term insomnia, and if it lasts for more than 3
weeks it’s referred to as chronic insomnia.
Chronic insomnia can lead to other health
conditions such as depression and the misuse of drugs or alcohol.
What
causes insomnia and what can be done? >>
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