The Rise of Insomnia: Causes and Solutions
By Genevieve Cunningham
Sleep might seem like a lost cause in your life. Too many adults in today's world feel like they'll never sleep again or at least, they won't get any good sleep ever again. It seems like jobs and kids and finances and all of the other stresses in life take the place of our sleep as we get older. It's frustrating, and truth be told, a lack of sleep is bad for our health. But what can we do about it? Why do we suffer in the first place? If you're sick of missing out on good sleep, take a look at why insomnia is rising, followed by some tips to end it today.
The Causes of Insomnia
Insomnia can have a wide range of different causes. Every person likely experiences insomnia in a slightly different manner, but the results are the same: no sleep. So why is there an increase in the rates of insomnia? Research suggests a few main causes. For starters, artificial light -- also known as the light bulb -- has drastically altered our circadian rhythm. Our bodies want to sleep when it's dark, but since we can simply turn on the light when it's dark, our bodies fight the urge and our rhythm gets off. Another main source of insomnia seems to be related to technology. Screens constantly stimulate the brain, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Technology also emits a light that keeps our eyes and brains awake. The bottom line? It seems to be our current lifestyle choices that lead to more and more instances of insomnia.
The Risks
You might think that getting a little less sleep than you're supposed to isn't really a big deal. But research suggests otherwise. A lack of sleep can lead to pain, headaches, an inability to focus, irritability, and a heightened risk of major diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Losing sleep is a big deal and can negatively impact our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The Possible Solutions
Treating insomnia isn't easy. It's hard to pinpoint the cause -- or causes -- for a lot of people. And many people don't like the idea of taking medication for better sleep, so they avoid reaching out. But even if you want to skip the meds, there are other ways to combat the problem. A few ideas might include:
Set a routine - A routine might include a wind down process, a set bedtime, and a familiar environment.
Adjust your lights - The body likes it to be dark. Try to eliminate technology from your room and consider options such as blackout curtains.
Change your supplements and diet - A poor diet can cause insomnia. Why? Because your body isn't getting what it needs. Make your diet as healthy as possible and consider supplements such as melatonin.
If you're not getting enough sleep or suffer from insomnia, it's time to make better sleep a top priority. The body and mind really need sleep in order to function at their very best. Use these tips to get you moving in the right direction, and if all else fails, see a doctor for advice. Sleep matters, so get more and feel better as soon as today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Woodstock, Ga.