Terminal insomnia is a sleep disorder where people wake up after only four to five hours of sleep and have difficulty getting back to sleep. It can be caused by emotional distress, physical illness, or pain. Treatment includes relaxation techniques, prescription drugs, therapy, and changes to sleep times and environment. Keeping a sleep diary can help identify the causes.
Terminal insomnia is a medical condition that affects sleep patterns. Typically, people with terminal insomnia wake up after only four to five hours of sleep. For those afflicted, getting back to sleep can be difficult, resulting in fatigue, irritability and lack of concentration.
Causes of terminal insomnia can include emotional distress, physical illness, or pain. Stress can cause frustration and anxiety, which can lead to tossing and turning and unhealthy sleep. In addition to terminal insomnia, people with higher than normal levels of stress may also suffer from other forms of insomnia, including the inability to fall asleep.
Physical illness or pain can also lead to terminal insomnia. Digestive problems and injuries are two common causes. When digestive problems occur, it can take longer for the body to digest food, which can lead to an increase in energy at night. Too much energy can cause the body to wake up prematurely. Pain associated with an injury can also wake a person up during the night, leaving them without adequate sleep.
Treating terminal insomnia can be as simple as treating the root causes. Practicing relaxation techniques before bed can reduce stress levels. This relaxation can be part of a nighttime ritual used to get ready for bed each night. A bedtime routine can reset the body’s circadian rhythms, which often affect sleep patterns.
Prescription drugs and therapy can help the body stay asleep longer, if terminal insomnia is caused by a physical illness or injury. On the other hand, some prescription drugs can cause difficulty sleeping. Communicating with a doctor about the potential side effects of all medications, including insomnia, can lead to medication changes that can address sleep issues.
Other treatments for this type of insomnia may include changing your sleep times and sleeping environment. Some people need less sleep than others. Changing your bedtime to a later hour can affect your sleep pattern just enough to resolve terminal insomnia. The environment in which the person sleeps could cause difficulty sleeping. Noise from television and radio can lead to premature disruption of sleep.
Noise and light in the bed area can also lead to symptoms of terminal insomnia. Keeping a sleep diary next to your bed can help narrow down the cause of your sleep problems. Upon awakening, it is important to notice what is happening at that very moment. Room temperature, outside noises, and light levels can be important factors in getting a good night’s sleep. Once the causes have been identified, it can be useful to work to reduce these disturbances.
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