Sleep is important to both mental and physical health. Yet for a lot of people, sleep doesn’t come easily. Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder affects an estimated 1 in 3 adults globally.

It’s more than just an occasional sleepless night, it’s a condition that can disrupt daily life, productivity, and long-term health.

WHAT IS INSOMNIA?

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get restful sleep, even when you have the opportunity to sleep.

There are two main types:

• SHORT- TERM (acute) INSOMNIA: often caused by stress, travel, or illness.
• CHRONIC INSOMNIA: happen at least 3 nights a week for 3 months or more.

COMMON CAUSES

• Anxiety
• Depression or mental health disorder
• Poor sleep habit (e.g screen time before bed)
• Alcohol, caffeine, or heavy meals at night.
• Medical condition like chronic pain, asthma, or acid reflux

SYMPTOMS OF INSOMNIA

• Difficulty falling asleep.
• Waking up often during the night
• Waking up too early.
• Feeling tired after sleep.
• Daytime sleepiness, irritability, or lack of focus.

HEALTH EFFECT OF INSOMNIA

Lack of sleep can lead to:

• Weakened immune system (IMMUNOCOMPROMISED).
• Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
• Poor memory or brain fog
• Mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

Chronic insomnia can severely affect quality of life and daily functioning.

HOW TO MANAGE INSOMNIA.

• OPTIMIZING YOUR SLEEP ROUTINE.
• Keep a regular sleep schedule.
• Avoid screens 1 hour before bed schedule.
• Make your room dark, quiet and cool.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
• TRY RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
• Deep breathing
• Medication.
• Reading or soft reading before bed.
• COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR INSOMNIA (CBT-I)

This is a structured. Non-drug approach that helps people change negative thoughts and behaviors around sleep, and it’s often more effective than sleeping pills.

• MEDICATION (ONLY WHEN NECESSARY)

Doctors may prescribe short-term sleep aids, but long-term use is not recommended due to side effects and dependency risk.

If insomnia affects your mood, health, or ability to function and lifestyle changes, just consult a doctor or sleep specialist. You may need underlying condition or sleep disorder.

   Insomnia is not just “SLEEPLESSNESS”, it’s a serious health issue that deserves attention. It is treatable, with the right strategy and support, restful nights are possible again. Sleep is not luxury, it is a necessity, your body and mind depend on it.

BY: ADENOLA ENIOLA.