INSOMNIA

YOUR SLEEP IS OUR ART

WHAT IS INSOMNIA?

Insomnia is a very common problem, as 30% of the Belgium population suffers from chronic insomnia. Insomnia is said to be chronic when it lasts over three weeks.

In general, 50% of the Belgians declare having occasional bad nights.

These two population groups do suffer from insomnia however the problem must be explained.

Chronic insomnia affects people who do not sleep well but do not suffer from a lack of sleep in their diurnal lives. It also affects people whose quality of life and functioning is impacted by sleep deprivation.

Insomnia is a symptom that manifests itself in various manners:

Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying awake
Early wakening in the morning
A feeling of not being rested

We may feel one of these symptoms or several at the same time. This symptom indicates an underlying problem. It might be a transitory situation such as stress, an acute illness or a loved one having health problems. If insomnia tends to last beyond 3 weeks, it becomes chronic even might even last after the trigger event has passed.

AN INDICATION OF NOCTURNAL ILLNESSES

Insomnia may also indicate so-called organic illnesses such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), that may wake up the person asleep with burns in the oesophagus. The same applies to arthritis pain, heart and respiratory conditions, which may also wake up a sleeper.

Insomnia may also reveal diseases that only show symptoms during sleep.

The three triggers of insomnia:

THE ENVIRONMET

The environmental aspect of insomnia (noisy neighbours who may hinder your sleep), bed quality, light, temperature in the bedroom.

PSYCHOLOGY

The psychological aspect of insomnia (anxiety, mood disorders, constant connection to social networks, inbox or voicemail, …).

BODY

As we discussed, the third aspect is organic. The sleep specialist will determine which one applies to you and offer the correct solutions.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?

Sometimes none. Some people do not sleep well but still function very well and are healthy. It might not even be necessary to treat them.

Patients who do not sleep well and have to face difficult situations during the day, including poor work performance intellectual problems (ability to make decisions, think, etc.) or have trouble in their interactions with others for which a clear mind is paramount, it is obvious that a good sleep is crucial. Otherwise, the problem must be taken care of.