Sleep is the most important part of our lives that help us rejuvenate, keeps us healthy and mentally active. However, sleeplessness or insomnia as described by the doctors is a condition in which an individual finds it difficult falling or staying asleep.

Medical experts blame insomnia on various factors like anxiety, stress and depression, while in few cases emotional and other psychological issues like anger, worry, grief, trauma, bipolar disorder can contribute to this condition.

Many believe that insomnia is a single condition but there are various types of sleep disorders that come under the same umbrella. Read on to know more about the types of insomnia and how to deal with it.

Chronic Insomnia:

Sleeplessness is considered as chronic insomnia if an individual has trouble falling asleep at least for three nights for week, for more than three months. It can be due to various health conditions, high levels of stress and anxiety.

If a person is unable to sleep for a brief period during a week or a month, then it is usually considered as acute insomnia. It can be caused due to some new changes in life like entering a new work place, receiving some bad news, jet lag etc. It usually resolves on its own.

Comorbid Insomnia:

Under this condition, sleeplessness gets triggered due to various psychological and physiological reasons like anxiety, stress, back pain, arthritis. Medications will help in treating the triggers and get sound sleep.

Onset Insomnia:

It is termed as difficulty falling asleep soon after hitting the bed. Usually caused due to stress or getting screen time before going to sleep. Lifestyle changes would help in treating this disorder.

Maintenance Insomnia:

Individuals suffering from maintenance insomnia wake up during the middle of the night and find it difficult to sleep again. It is an inability to maintain their regular sleep pattern. Needs medication.

How To Treat Insomnia:

Meditation:

Meditation brings down levels of stress and anxiety immediately, calms down the mind and helps in getting good sleep. It also alleviates digestive issues, reduces pain and keeps both body and mind happy.

Melatonin Supplements:

Melatonin supplements can help in short run and can set up a sleep pattern. However, talk to your doctor regarding long term usage.

Massage:

A head, body and foot massage with certain essential oils like Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood, Lavender, will calm the body and mind and helps in treating insomnia.

Workout:

Exercising makes your body and mind relaxed and can help in getting a good night’s sleep.

Food:

Warm milk with honey works as a wonder food in treating insomnia. Go for early dinner with simple, non-oily diet and drink milk just before sleeping.