by David Thames

Created on: January 27, 2007   Last Updated: April 09, 2011

Insomnia is broken up into three main types, transient, intermittent, and chronic. Transient insomnia would cover your insomnia caused by say, jetlag, or shiftwork sleep disorder. These cases will always correct themselves. Intermittent insomnia only lasts a short while, but returns from time to time. This type of insomnia is usually caused by things such as stress. Lastly, we have chronic insomnia. Chronic insomnia is broken up again into two parts, primary and secondary. Primary is insomnia that is not directly caused by another health problem, and secondary is just that, it is the secondary effect of another health concern.

Different insomnias are treated in different ways. A patient suffering from transient insomnia can usually "tough it out" until the problem corrects itself. However, if the patient feels they need help, a sleep aid is usually prescribed.

The same goes for intermittent insomnia. Chronic insomnia is the one that most people think of when they think of insomnia. This type needs medical attention. You should talk to your doctor. He/she may ask you to keep a sleep journal, or to take a physical. If the case is acute enough, you may be sent to a sleep clinic for more in-depth testing. Usually, primary chronic insomnia is treated with sleep aids and/or therapy.

Secondary chronic insomnia is cured after the treatment of the underlying medical condition.

If you are plagued with insomnia, there are a few different things that you can do to help yourself sleep better. Obviously, you should avoid any stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine. Exercise is another treatment most people never think of. Be sure you exercise 4-5 hours before bedtime, as exercise does give you energy.

Sleep restriction, while it sounds like a form of torture, is a very good way to cure insomnia. The idea is to spend less time than you need in bed. For instance, start waking up earlier than usual. This does not mean wake up and lay in bed. You should wake up and begin getting ready for the day. This will tire your body a small amount, but by slowly increasing the time you allow yourself to be in the bed, you will effectively cure your insomnia.

Another good self-treatment is to recondition yourself to your bed. Use your bed solely for sleep, and sex. By discontinuing all other activities in your bed, such as reading, or watching TV, your body starts to make a connection with your bed and sleep. Insomnia is a serious disorder. I am not trying to give you the answers to everything about it.

If you have chronic insomnia, and it makes tasks during the day hard for you, you should consult your doctor.

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