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A Couple Of Factors That Can Cause Insomnia

  • Posted on July 2, 2009 at 7:15 am

While there is no one cut and dried reason why some people can’t sleep, most experts agree that insomnia is brought on by stress, anxiety, medications, and/or caffeine – among other things. Transient and short-term insomnia has many causes.
A reaction to change or stress is one of the most common causes of short-term and transient insomnia. This condition is sometimes referred to as adjustment sleep disorder.

The precipitating factor could be a major or traumatic event such as the following:

• An acute illness.

• Injury or surgery.

• The loss of a loved one.

• Job loss.

Temporary insomnia could also develop after a relatively minor event, including the following:

• Extremes in weather.

• An exam at school.

• Traveling.

• Trouble at work.

In such cases, normal sleep almost always returns when the condition resolves, the individual recovers from the event, or the person becomes acclimated to the new situation. Treatment is needed if sleepiness interferes with functioning or if it continues for more than a few weeks.

Fluctuations in female hormones play a major role in insomnia in women over their lifetimes. Such insomnia is most often temporary.

The hormone progesterone promotes sleep. Levels of this hormone plunge during menstruation, causing insomnia. When they rise during ovulation, women may become sleepier than usual.

During Pregnancy, the effects of changes in progesterone levels in the first and last trimester can disrupt normal sleep patterns.

Insomnia can be a major problem in the first phases of menopause, when hormones are fluctuating intensely. Insomnia during this period may be due to different factors that occur.

In some women, hot flashes, sweating, and a sense of anxiety can awaken women suddenly and frequently at night during the first months of menopause. In such women, hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial.

Insomnia may also be perpetuated by psychological distress provoked by this life passage. In most cases, insomnia is temporary. Cases of chronic insomnia in women after 50 are more likely to be due to other causes

In one study, 20% of adults reported that light, noise, and uncomfortable temperatures caused their sleeplessness. Depending on the time of day too much or too little light can disrupt sleep. It is well known that a person’s biologic circadian clock is triggered by sunlight and very bright artificial light to maintain wakefulness. One study indicated that even dim artificial light may disrupt sleep.

Insufficient exposure to light during the day, as occurs in some disabled elderly patients who rarely venture outside, may also be linked with sleep disturbances. One study suggests that when a person is exposed to bright daylight, melatonin levels increases in response to darkness at night, which aids sleep.

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Article Source: A Couple Of Factors That Can Cause Insomnia

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Surviving the Loss of a Loved One

  • Posted on July 1, 2009 at 7:36 pm

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult and profoundly life-changing experiences that a person can go through. Many people who have recently experienced the death of someone they cared for are concerned that they will never feel “right” or happy again, or that the pain they are feeling will remain a constant for the rest of their lives. This is especially true for people who have not suffered such a loss in the past, although they are not the only ones who experience these fears.

Some people living with grief find it useful to learn that their experience is typical. This does not only help them feel less alone with their feelings, but also offers hope that they will be able to survive this terrible experience. Coping with feelings of intense loss is not easy, but it is possible.

What is “Normal”?

When it comes to handling intense emotions, nearly everything is normal. Everyone handles shock and pain in his or her own way. For example, it is perfectly normal to:

Cry, or not. Some people worry that crying is a sign of weakness that could make them a “burden” on those who might worry about them. Others worry that not crying shows they are not truly missing their loved ones. Neither one is true; crying helps some but not others.

Experience unexpected “triggers.” Sometimes mourning people seem to turn a corner and begin to feel better. Then, something reminds them of their loss and they are suddenly in pain again. This is a normal experience that should lessen with time, but it may take a long time.

Feel irrational anger. It is human nature to look for someone or something to blame for our suffering. Sometimes there is no logical target for our anger, so we begin to focus on something that cannot really be to blame. As long as this anger does not interfere with your ability to function, it is perfectly normal.

Of course, the fact that the pain you are feeling is typical does not make it any easier to bear. While you wait for things to improve, be sure to take care of yourself. Do not be afraid to rely on friends and family for support, and do not forget to eat well and exercise.

When Grief Will Not Lift

It is important to note that grief can cross a line into clinical depression, at which point professional care may be needed. Anyone who is experience intense feelings of hopelessness, an inability to face daily tasks, or thoughts of suicide needs to contact a doctor right away.

Grief can be compounded when surviving loved ones know their loss could have been avoided if a third party had been more attentive or careful. To learn about legal options for families seeking justice, contact Minnesota wrongful death attorneys Terry, Slane & Ruohonen, PLLC.

Article Source: Surviving the Loss of a Loved One

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