In the last blog, we’ve talked about why sleep is so important, but let’s face reality. When you have kids and a husband attacking you at every level, and I mean every level…how can you actually prioritize your sleep?
First, we need to “Assess.” In order to target sleep issues, one first needs to assess what are the possible causes behind the sleep issues. What is going on that is causing you to lack sleep?
Stress and disease can lead to inflammation, causing sleep issues that further worsen the problem.
So targeting the root cause is the key to better sleep.
Let’s understand this a bit more…
There are two basic types of insomnia: acute and chronic insomnia. Let’s dive a deep deeper… – Tweet this!
Acute insomnia is characterized as a brief episode of difficulty sleeping and it usually resolves without the need for treatment. This type of insomnia can be caused by a stressful or traumatic event. Short term insomnia occurs with any stress like an upcoming exam, jet lag, change in work schedule, emotional stress, or a sleep hygiene problem can lead to insomnia.
Chronic insomnia lasts for a longer period of time, as it’s usually defined as sleeping difficulty for at least three nights per week that lasts for three months or longer. There are many different reasons why someone might struggle with ongoing, chronic insomnia can be due to diseases or medications.
Chronic diseases, like sleep apnea, restless legs, chronic pain, and narcolepsy can hinder sleep, depression, anxiety, pain, frequent urination, night sweats or hot flashes, arthritis, asthma, digestive issues, allergies, alcohol addictions, neurological diseases and so much more.
Medications can also lead to insomnia: antidepressants, cold and flu medications that contain alcohol, pain relievers that contain caffeine (Midol, Excedrin), diuretics, corticosteroids, thyroid hormone, high blood pressure medications (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers), anticonvulsants, bronchodilators, decongestants, and stimulants.
What could be going on in your life that is limiting your sleep?
There are a number of conditions and lifestyle choices that can lead to insomnia. Remember, there’s no one mechanism that causes insomnia, which is why one treatment plan isn’t effective for everyone.
So what type of insomnia are you dealing with?
What stresses are you dealing with?
When you can target the root cause, you would have a better way of managing you sleep.
Now that you have assess your sleep and any issues related to it, let’s optimize our snooze by optimizing our sleep hygiene…sounds funny right, we will talk about this next time.
Let’s talk about how we can create that restful sanctuary.
RELATED ARTICLE: If You Don’t Snooze, You Lose!
Taking Your Life Back,
Madiha Saeed, MD ABIHM
Holistic Mom, MD
PS: Get your FREE copy of Healing Bundle.
The post Assess to Optimize Sleep! appeared first on Holistic Mom.