Insomnia is a sleeping disorder in which a person may experience difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. Those with insomnia often experience difficulties like fatigue, low energy, low concentration level, mood swings etc. Acute insomnia is not a harmful condition and lasts only a small duration. Insomnia is classified into chronic insomnia if you do not get sleep for at least 3 nights a week and this may last for up to 3 months. This difficulty in falling asleep can be due to environmental changes, unhealthy sleeping habits, working in shifts or other medical conditions that may trigger a pattern of insufficient sleep.

Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia is a condition that is directly dependent on the state of the mind and the hormonal functions of the brain. There are multiple factors that can affect this functioning of the brain and cause insomnia. These factors include:

Circadian rhythm disruption including jet lag, work shift change, high altitudes, noise, extreme climates
Psychological issues like bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychotic disorders or depression
Medical conditions like chronic pain, congestive heart failure, COPD, asthma, sleep apnea, angina, acid-reflux problem (GERD), hyperthyroidism, arthritis pain, brain lesions, tumors or stroke
Hormonal changes
Other factors may include sleeping next to a snoring person, genetic conditions, bed bugs, overactive mind and pregnancy.

Treatment of Insomnia

Since insomnia is dependent on several factors the treatment of insomnia also revolves around controlling and treating these factors to prevent or treat insomnia.

Physical Factors

There are several physical factors such as jet lag, noise, extreme climates, environment changes, etc. that can affect your sleep pattern. One should identify the cause and then work upon it. Most physical factors usually die out within a week, and the normal sleep cycle is restored. If you still experience bouts of insomnia, you should visit a medical professional to diagnose the condition.

There are other physical factors that can be treated by the following:

Improper bedding – Improper bedding can cause a great disruption in sleep patterns and can lead to insomnia. Specialized mattresses and luxury adjustable beds can be of great use to provide comfortable sleep. You can choose from a wide range of mattresses and bedding depending on your needs.
Pillows – A pillow that’s too soft or too hard can be discomforting. It can hinder a person’s sleep and cause insomnia. Therapy pillows are designed to provide excellent head support while sleeping. Cervical pillows help in keeping the head in a proper position while supporting the spine.

Psychological Factors

It is recommended that you follow the instructions and prescribed medications by psychiatrists or medical professionals for treatment of psychological factors that cause insomnia.

Medical Factors

A wide range of medical factors might be responsible for insomnia. Depending on the condition one can use a wide range of products to reduce the effects of the condition that are directly responsible for causing insomnia.

Other Treatment Options for Insomnia

Essential Oils – Essential oils are used for massaging the body so as to relax the body. Using essential oils can be very helpful if the insomnia is directly related to physical pain, stress, or an exhausted body.
Relaxation And Leisure Products – Several relaxation and leisure products such as eye masks, sleep aids, sound therapy systems, stress and fatigue tablets, etc. can be of great help to relax the mind and aid in a better sleeping experience.
Magnetic Therapy - Magnetic therapy is known to relieve headaches and calm the mind to provide for a better night’s sleep. One can use magnetic bands, wraps, and headbands for efficient magnetic therapy.