THE SILENT EPIDEMIC: UNDERSTANDING INSOMNIA

Insomnia, a common yet debilitating sleep disorder, is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good-quality sleep despite adequate opportunity. Far from being a mere inconvenience, chronic insomnia profoundly affects physical health, mental well-being, and daily functioning, effectively earning it the title of a silent epidemic.

- TDG NETWORK

Insomnia is rarely caused by a single factor; rather, it often results from a complex interplay of psychological, physical, and environmental triggers.

Stress and Anxiety: High-stress levels, worrying about work, relationships, or health can keep the brain hyper-aroused, making it difficult to switch off at night.

Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) are strongly linked to insomnia. Insomnia can be a symptom and a risk factor for these disorders.

Conditioned Insomnia: This is a behavioral issue where the bedroom becomes associated with wakefulness and frustration rather than rest.

Chronic Pain: Conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic back pain can cause discomfort that interrupts sleep.

Nocturnal Symptoms: Frequent urination (nocturia), heartburn/reflux, and difficulty breathing (asthma) disrupt sleep cycles.

Sleep Disorders: Underlying primary sleep disorders like Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Sleep Apnea often manifest as chronic insomnia.

Hormonal Shifts: Menopause and thyroid issues can cause night sweats and temperature sensitivity, leading to fragmented sleep.