Insomnia - Does it affect everyone?

First of all, I would like to inform everyone that insomnia is too little or poor-quality sleep caused by one or more of the following:

• Trouble falling asleep
• Waking up a lot during the night with trouble returning to sleep
• Waking up too early in the morning
• Having un-refreshing sleep (not feeling well rested), even after sleeping 7 to 8 hours at night

Insomnia can cause problems during the day, such as excessive sleepiness, trouble thinking clearly, or feeling depressed or irritable. It is not defined by the number of hours you sleep every night. Because every person requires a different amount of sleep to be able to function properly the next day. Just like some people can get roaring drunk and still maintain a job.

 Women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Some research suggests that certain social factors, such as being unemployed or divorced, are related to poor sleep and increase the risk of insomnia in women. Age also seems to be a contributing factor, as your risk of insomnia seems to increase with age.

I find that I have problems sleeping practically every night. My mind just cannot shut down. I have to think until my mind finally tires itself out enough to fall asleep. I can lay in bed for hours sometimes and not fall asleep. Or I can just wake up every three or so hours during the night. So here are some tips for other insomniacs:

• Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Do not take naps after 3 p.m.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day or at night.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise during the day--make sure you exercise at least 5 to 6 hours before bedtime.
• Make sure you eat dinner at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
• Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. If light is a problem, try a sleeping mask. If noise is a problem, try earplugs, a fan, or a "white noise" machine to cover up the sounds.
• Follow a routine to help relax and wind down before sleep, such as reading a book, listening to music, or taking a bath.
• If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes or don't feel drowsy, get up and read or do something that is not too active until you feel sleepy. Then try going back to bed.
• If you lay awake worrying about things, try making a to-do list before you go to bed.
• Use your bed only for sleep and sex.

Some of these things actually helped, though I didn't get the one about no noise. I for one must have noise to fall asleep, or do anything for that matter. Me and silence just do not function well together. And it doesn't matter what I do, my mind will stay overactive. It will not shut down until it's ready to, no matter how tired I am.

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