I participated in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central for Pernix Therapeutics. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
Ah, sleep. There is nothing more relaxing. There is also nothing more frustrating – when you can’t get enough of it. It’s vital to the body to get enough sleep. It helps our immune systems function properly, it makes our memory better and it helps our bodies function at their greatest capacities. In America, 4 million people suffer from chronic insomnia. This includes difficulty falling asleep and the inability to stay asleep throughout the night.
On average, nearly three-quarters of Americans (72%) are missing out on almost three weeks of sleep per year (470 hours).
What It’s Like To Have Insomnia?
I have suffered with insomnia for years. Let me tell you, it’s no fun – for myself or my husband. I suffer from the most common form of insomnia: the inability to stay asleep. Over 50% of Americans experience this particular type of insomnia. Many nights I will go to sleep around 11, 12 or 1, only to wake up somewhere 2 and 5 am. I try to go back to sleep, but I just toss and turn. I usually get up, since I don’t want to keep my husband up all night. He works outside the home, so he only has certain hours that he can sleep, whereas I work in the home and can take a nap {or naps} if necessary.
Naps or not, being without a continuous and reliable sleep pattern often leaves me feeling like a zombie. Today is a good day because I feel like I have “caught up.” However, I went on a trip last week and got very little sleep. I for 4 hours total sleep in 2 days while out of town. When I finally did get to sleep at a reasonable hour one night, I woke up after only a few hours sleep. It took me several days after being home to readjust and get to feeling somewhat close to normal again. This is what I feel like most of the time, though, trip or no trip. If you feel like this or if this is representative of your sleep patterns, it’s not normal and there are things that you can do about it.
62% of Americans regularly suffer from symptoms of insomnia, only 20% believe they have the condition and merely 12% have been diagnosed by a doctor.
Insomnia is not glamorous. It isn’t a badge of honor that people who work hard wear. However, some people view it is such. The fact is that we need sleep. It’s vital to our health and happiness. If you are not getting enough sleep or if you feel that you might suffer from insomnia, have a conversation with your doctor. You can also learn more about insomnia here.
View Comments (36)
Great post about Insomnia...I have suffered so these tips will help!!
I had a brief bout of insomnia that lasted for about a week. It was the most horrible experience of my life!
The only reason I am awake at night is because of my husband's snoring. It keeps me awake for hours sometimes.
That is the same here. If he doesn't let me go to sleep first, he often keeps me up for hours, too.
Insomnia is the worst. Thanks for the great tips you have here!
I have suffered with insomnia for years. Thanks for these tips. I will definitely put them to use.
I suffer from insomnia when I'm under a lot of stress, and when I was pregnant. It was so frustrating to deal with! I can't imagine having it regularly.
I have insomnia and it's really tough. Especially as a mom.
This is a good post. It is hard to get the rest you need.
I have always dealt with insomnia and it is not fun. Nothing seems to work to help me sleep. I have tried many things but I will try these tips and hope for the best. Thank you!
I am a lifelong insomniac, I have been since childhood. I do not perceive it as a 'badge of honor' either, but I can say because of it I would write. I would read and write to relax even as a child, and that is probably why I am a writer now. I refuse to take sleeping pills so when I find myself up when the world is asleep, I write. Great post/share!