A higher percentage of the “woke nation” uses the term insomnia to deprive a certain level of coolness. Staying up later than usual binging a series, playing a game, or streaming most time does not equate to insomnia. However, a prolonged shift in sleeping patterns can lead to the state. Insomnia is, “dissatisfaction in the quality and quantity of sleep. It is also characterised by difficulty in initiating sleep, difficulty in maintaining sleep, and also having episodes of awakening and difficulty going back to sleep,” Dr. Margret Karani- Clinical Psychologist.

Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder globally, with data showing at least 10% of adults are affected by it. A third to half of this number are experiencing a few nights of insomnia symptoms in a year. The main cause of insomnia is stress which could be caused by a number of factors mainly finances, health, etc. “Most of the time loses and changes will cause insomnia, traumatic events, some medications, and some medical conditions can cause insomnia. For example, even chronic pain can cause it, for most cancer patients will tell you they have difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep due to the pain. People who have asthma also have difficulty in sleeping, diabetic patients at times also, due to the recurrence to use the bathroom,” Dr. Margret explained.

Insomnia not only deprives the body of sleep, but extreme insomnia may lead to death. The disorder can affect judgment, mood, and memory skills. “Regular poor sleep puts you at risk for some serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The continued lack of sleep can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Depression and other mood disorders are linked to lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system,” Doylestown Health online medical website.

Your health is your wealth, have regular sleep scheduling, prioritize your sleep or you will use money to get it back!