Chronic Insomnia (Long-Term)

Chronic insomnia is more complex than that of transient or intermittent, because of its severity. It is usually a result of one or more factors including another physical or mental disorder. Out of all the causes, stress is the most common for obtaining this condition.

Certain medical conditions can be a factor of whether or not you obtain this stressful problem. Some of the most common ones consist of: arthritis, heart failure, sleep apnea, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome, asthma, and kidney disease.

Behavioral problems can be another contributing cause of insomnia. Some of these behavioral factors include: chronic stress, the misuse of alcohol, drugs, or caffeine, and a change in schedule such as working night shifts.

Treatment for the chronic form is recommended unlike that of transient or intermittent. The first step in helping you treat yourself is finding the underlying cause whether it be physical or mental. You will more than likely be treated with sleeping pills as a last resort.

Before resorting to medication, you will probably be asked to improve your sleeping habits and may undergo therapy. Forms of different therapies generally include: bright light, relaxation, reconditioning, and sleep restriction.