INSOMNIA

Just the other day, I heard a colleague jokingly say he has become the “King of insomnia”. I asked him why, and he replied that sleep did not just come to him easily. "I stay up very late into the early hours of the day and may eventually have only two hours of sleep. I guess it is just the way I am”. And I just wondered, is it normal to regularly battle with sleeplessness? I do not think so. Yes, we all must have had that night of sleeplessness, maybe due to anxiety for something expected in the morning such as a release of some test results or some news, however, it becomes an issue of concern when it becomes ‘normal’ to experience sleeplessness; that is when it becomes often.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder often characterized by symptoms of unrest, habitual sleeplessness, and inability to sleep and extended characteristics like difficulty paying attention, irritability, and depression. It is known to be the most common form of sleep disorder.

According to a research done by Warwick Medical School, an estimated 150 million people are suffering from sleep-related problems in developing nations. In this study, they examined possible relation between sleep problems and factors like social demographics, quality of life, physical health, and psychiatric conditions. Another study has uncovered the fact that insomnia has become rampant in the third world countries, and in fact recommends that sleep patterns be included in the assessment of an individual’s overall health. This points to a fact: we know that a large percentage of African countries are developing, third world nations, hence dealing with sleep disorders is of great concern to us. Insomnia does not just affect the individual alone, In the long run, it affects people in the individual’s work environment and social circle. It can lead to low productivity and less effectiveness on the side of the individual.

A major cause of insomnia is psychiatric disorders and stress. Psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety disorder can trigger insomnia. Stress is also a very critical factor and if managed poorly, it can lead to insomnia or even more serious medical conditions. Medical conditions that involve chronic pains, ear-nose-throat obstruction, heart problems, or any other disturbing condition that is characterized by restlessness may also lead to insomnia.

Changes in Environment or behavioral pattern can also result in insomnia. This is because human individuals have internal biological clocks that determine their sleep-wake pattern. Once there is a disruption which can arise from any of the changes stated above, it can disrupt the sleep-wake pattern and lead to insomnia. Misuse of caffeine, alcohol and drugs can also lead to insomnia. Over-consumption and abuse of these substances are known to be responsible for changing and distorting the sleep structure of an individual and can over time lead to insomnia and result in poor quality sleep.

The issue basically is that: Firstly, insomnia can lead to issues more severe than sleep disorder, it can affect the other areas of the individuals’ life. Secondly, insomnia in many cases may be a pointer to a more serious psychological or mental issue and should not be ignored.

In most African communities, very few people suffering from insomnia go to see a doctor regarding it and there is the tendency for people suffering from insomnia to attempt treatment by themselves using over-the-counter medications. This accounts for the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of Insomnia in African communities.

Insomnia can however be treated using hypnotics, which are drugs that can be used to induce sleep, though it is not effective in the long-term management of insomnia. Sleep hygiene is another way of treating insomnia, it involves identifying and correcting lifestyles, habits, environmental factors and other factors peculiar to individuals that may result in inability to sleep or maintain sleep. Another class of treatment is cognitive behavioral pattern techniques such as: sleep restriction, progressive muscle relaxation, natural substances, stimulus control and others. This class of treatment has more long-lasting effects.

In the treatment of insomnia, a combination of one or more of this is often used. However, it is not advisable to embark on this yourself. It is advisable that if you are suffering from insomnia or any form of sleep disorder that you seek medical help.

And so in the case of my colleague, I suspect he has a case of learned insomnia where an individual suffers from insomnia because he/she has convinced him/herself that he/she would not be able to sleep. I sat with him during lunch that afternoon and explained all of the uncertainties associated with insomnia and although reluctantly, he has agreed to talk to his doctor about it on his next scheduled visit to the clinic.

I truly hope that he and every other person affected out there can get proper help and are able to eventually enjoy sleep as what it is: a blessing and reward from mother nature.

Written By: Paul Ozioma