Biofeedback:
A technique that enables a person to gain some control over involuntary body functions.
Sleep disorder:
It is any condition that interferes with sleep.
- The American Sleep Disorders Association has identified eighty-four different sleep disorders.
The chronic insomnia is caused by one or more of the following factors:
• A medical condition or a treatment for a medical condition
• Use of certain substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
• A psychiatric (mental) condition, such as depression or anxiety
• Stress, such as sadness caused by the loss of a loved one or a job
• Changes in one's sleep patterns, as when one's job shift has been changed
• Breathing problems, such as snoring
• Jerky leg movements that occur when a person is just falling asleep
• Nightmares or feelings of panic during sleep
Occasionally insomnia can be caused by the problem itself. Namely, a person worries so much about falling asleep that he or she can't get to sleep. So, the more one worries about falling asleep, the harder it is to do.
Information for People with Insomnia
Q. What is ‘Insomnia’?
A. Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by problems getting to sleep, or problems staying asleep, or feelings that your sleep is inadequate or ‘unrefreshing’ - despite adequate opportunities to obtain sleep.
These symptoms ‘spill over’ into the day causing problems with social interactions, work or family performance, and general daytime functioning.
Characteristically, people with insomnia feel exhausted (listless, lethargic, lacking energy, under motivated) and inadequately rested for the day ahead. Though, many people with insomnia do not feel ‘sleepy’ (that is, they do not feel that they would fall asleep if given the opportunity during the day). Short periods of disturbed sleep are not uncommon in modern life. Nevertheless, for insomnia to be diagnosed, the symptoms must persist continuously for a month or more.
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