WHAT IS INSOMNIA?

It is not unusual to sometimes have sleeping difficulties.

Everyone at some points in their lifetimes will experience the frustration of trying to fall asleep. Unfortunately, insomnia is an under-diagnosed and often misunderstood disorder, and as a result, it often goes untreated. It is a serious condition that can have an enormous impact on your physical, financial and emotional well being. The physical effects of sleep deprivation can also lead to death.

The inability to get a good nights sleep is usually the symptom of a deeper underlying problem. People suffering from insomnia will experience one or more of the following problems:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Difficulty going back to sleep
  • Difficulty in staying asleep

Insomnia can often be a result of depression, anxiety or a sleep disorder. Although insomnia is not a disease itself, it can have a very significant impact on your quality of life. This can then lead on to more serious health problems.

There are two categories of insomnia. These are acute insomnia and chronic insomnia.

Acute insomnia is temporary and is often due to life events, such as receiving bad or stressful news. This usually passes within a day or two.

Chronic insomnia is far more serious and happens for at least three days per week or more. This type of insomnia can persist for at least three months or longer. It is often linked to other psychiatric or medical issues. Chronic insomnia treatment may include a combination of behavioural, psychological and medical components.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF INSOMNIA?

The most common signs associated with insomnia include:

  • Inability to sleep, even when tired
  • Irritability
  • Excessive drowsiness
  • A lack of focus or concentration
  • Low energy
  • Poor productivity at work or school
  • Short or long-term memory loss
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Scientific evidence has shown that symptoms of insomnia can change in a person over time. This means that treatment options may also need to change with time.

HOW COMMON IS INSOMNIA?

Insomnia is a very common problem, particularly in adults. Over 30% of the general population worldwide suffer from some form of insomnia.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INSOMNIA?

Insomnia could be the main problem, or it could be the result of other underlying issues. Chronic insomnia is usually a result of stress, poor sleeping habits or life events.

The most common causes of chronic insomnia are:

  • Stress
  • Poor sleeping habits
  • Eating too much late in the evening
  • Work schedules
  • Long distance travel

Some medical conditions or the use of certain drugs can also be a cause of chronic insomnia. Treating the medical condition can improve sleep, but insomnia may still persist. This is even after the medical condition has improved.

Other common causes of chronic insomnia include:

  • Medication
  • Medical conditions
  • Mental health disorders
  • Sleep related disorders
  • Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine
  • Age
  • Health changes

There is an increased risk of insomnia if you:

  • Are a woman. Hormonal changes during menstrual cycles and menopause may be the reason for this.
  • Are over the age of 60. Changes in health and sleep patterns lead to an increase in insomnia.
  • Have a physical health condition. Physical pain or discomfort will affect your ability to sleep.
  • Are under a lot of stress. Stress makes it difficult to fall asleep and also to stay asleep.
  • Don’t have a regular work schedule. Shift work can disrupt your regular sleep routines.

HOW WE HELP INSOMNIA

At Brain Training Australia™we use a blended modality of Neurofeedback and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), both evidence-based methods, for clients suffering from Insomnia.

Let us help you. Here is how to get started.

The first step is to get in contact with us and book in for your first Neurofeedback session.

This will allow you to experience a session, and see if its the right modality for you. We will also be able to advise you, given your presentation, whether Neurofeedback, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or a combination of both would give you the best result.

The team at Brain Training Australia™ recognise the unique qualities of all our clients and will work closely with you to personalise your Brain Training Program so that you can achieve your goals of optimal mental processes.

We look forward to helping you live a much richer, happier and healthier life.