Primary Insomnia

Question: sleep disorder and primary insomnia? what is a sleep disorder and how do people catch it? what is primary insomnia and how does it relate to sleep disorder? what are some behaviors that indicate someone has a sleeping disorder? how can they be observed in a experiment setting?

Answer: Sleep disorders are NOT contagious, you can't catch it. Insomnia is one of several sleep disorders. Sleep Disorders and there primary symptoms: "Insomnia is a significant lack of high-quality sleep. It can be short-term or chronic. Insomnia may be caused by stress, a change in time zones or sleep schedule, poor bedtime habits, or an underlying medical or psychiatric condition. Symptoms include: Difficulty falling asleep despite being tired Requiring sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep Awakening frequently during the night or lying awake in the middle of the night Awakening too early in the morning despite not feeling refreshed Daytime drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability In most cases, insomnia can be helped by improving bedtime habits, relieving stress, and relaxation exercises. However, certain medications may be prescribed by your doctor if these alternative treatments do not have the desired effect. **************************************… Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can be very serious, and even life-threatening. In sleep apnea, your breathing stops or gets very shallow while you are sleeping. Each pause in breathing typically lasts 10 to 20 seconds or more. These pauses can occur 20 to 30 times or more an hour. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. During sleep, enough air cannot flow into your lungs through your mouth and nose, even though you try to breathe. When this happens, the amount of oxygen in your blood may drop. Normal breaths then start again with a loud snort or choking sound. Symptoms can be quite scary - frequent waking episodes at night, usually accompanied by a feeling of “choking� or gasping for air. Significant others or roommates of those with sleep apnea often report hearing gasping, gagging, or choking sounds from their partners. The severity of this disorder makes treatment essential. Treatment may include behavioral changes, physical and mechanical devices, and in some cases, surgery. **************************************… Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory disorder causing an almost irresistible urge to move the legs. The urge to move the legs is usually due to uncomfortable, tingly, or creeping sensations that occur when at rest. Movement eases the feelings, but only for a while. RLS is not necessarily confined to your sleep time. Symptoms most often occur when you are relaxed or lying down. You may also notice small, jerky movements of the toes, feet, and legs as you are trying to fall asleep. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory disorder causing an almost irresistible urge to move the legs. The urge to move the legs is usually due to uncomfortable, tingly, or creeping sensations that occur when at rest. Movement eases the feelings, but only for a while. RLS is not necessarily confined to your sleep time. Symptoms most often occur when you are relaxed or lying down. You may also notice small, jerky movements of the toes, feet, and legs as you are trying to fall asleep." **************************************… "How sleep centers diagnose sleep disorders If your physician refers you to a sleep center, a team of sleep specialists will use the latest technology to monitor you while you sleep. You will be given a private room, where a technician will attach a variety of monitoring devices to your body once you are ready for bed. Sleep specialists, who are on premises studying several patients at any given time, will observe your sleep patterns using these devices, which monitor brain waves, heart rate, rapid eye movements, and more. While sleeping with a bunch of wires attached to you might seem difficult, most patients find they fall asleep very easily. The next morning, the technician will remove all the monitoring devices, and you will be able to go straight to work or on to your daily activities. The sleep specialists will analyze the results from your sleep study, and either they or your referring physician will set up a time with you to go over these results, and design a treatment program if necessary. A sleep center can also provide you with equipment to monitor your activities (awake and asleep) at home." I think that answers all your questions. The above information came from the link below and there is a lot more information there as well. I hope that helps. I personally have insomnia and restless legs syndrome and take medications for both.

Question: MY HIDDEN EMOTIONS: the primary cause of my insomnia??? How is it true that my these hidden emotions and feelings of mine are the primary cause of insomnia? here's how severe it is: ...anger, hatred, regression, and disappointment to myself i can say, are the most dominating emotions i have for 5 years from now... but the thing is, most of the causes of these emotions are actually concealed especially to those persons i have it on (anger & hatred) Though i do have lots of friends and really close older people that i share it to, and console me the best way that they can. But its seems like they were never enough to help me get through with those emotions...! Is it because the only remedy for this is confession to the people who are personally involved with my problems? Though i don't usually think of it anymore as much as before, and as far as i know, i have learned a lot of ways how to escape from those emotions, still and still.....i have the same problem on how to sleep esily ever since the day i figured out that im preoccupied by those feelings... please...help me with this confusion....!!!!

Answer: Your emotions, while hidden to the people around you or the ones who caused them are still emotions that can most definitely cause insomnia. I'm not sure what confronting these people would do as I don't really know what the problems were to start with. By doing this it may cause more problems in the long run. I think talking to a professional, a therapist or consular would be in your best interest to come to grips with what they have done to you to make you feel this way. A therapist is educated and has an un biased opinion. They will validate what you have gone through and help you figure a way to get past it. The people who caused this will most likely deni what they have done. They can also help you if you still choose to confront them. I see a therapist weekly and though I still have sleep problems, they are getting better. Hope this made some sense to you. Take care and never give up!

Question: How do I treat tinnitus which is also a side effect to depression & insomnia? I've had a hearing test, allergy skin & blood tests done. All good. My primary doctor sent me to a specialist & in turn they send me to yet another & so on. No one can help me. I have a fullness & ringing in the ear that wont go away.

Answer: Hello, Sleeplessness could be due to your tinnitus and depression could be due to your insomnia!!! As far as your tinnitus goes... Many conventional medications achieve only limited success in tinnitus relief, and usually their bothersome side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation often discourage use. Valium, Xanax and Klonopin are benzodiazepine drugs that many doctors prescribe for tinnitus. They are addicting to varying degrees and cannot be used continuously for a long period of time. They are helpful in reducing tinnitus symptoms and aid in sleeping. Valium is the most addicting of these and is not used often for this reason. Xanax is very popular and is prescribed often for tinnitus. However, the ATA report on medications that cause tinnitus lists Xanax as causing it in 6.6% of cases. Natural and holistic tinnitus remedies can be effective in assisting with the relief of symptoms, as well as addressing the individual’s overall health and well-being. Herbal and homeopathic remedies are gentle, yet effective - without the harmful side effects of conventional medicine. Tinnitus herbal remedies can be used to support all body systems involved in helping the ear to perform its tasks of clear hearing and balance, as well as the circulatory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Some of the most common herbs used are •Ginkgo Biloba is excellent for a number of cerebral and circulatory disorders. It is probably the most widely-used herb for tinnitus and many sufferers swear by this natural ingredient. •Rosemary dilates and strengthens blood vessels and is an excellent circulation tonic. Rosemary is particularly useful for tinnitus that is caused or worsened by high blood pressure and other circulatory conditions. •Avena Sativa is effective in reducing high cholesterol levels which can contribute to circulatory problems which cause tinnitus. •Wild Hyssop s also useful in reducing pain and inflammation. •Salicylic Ac. is indicated for tinnitus with loud roaring or ringing sounds, which may be accompanied by deafness or vertigo. This remedy is particularly useful in people whose symptoms began with a bout of flu, Meniere’s disease or long-term use of aspirin. You may get more information on tinnitus and other recommendations on the link below. Hope all this helps Good Luck!

Question: Is there a negative counter-balance effect of Prozac & melatonin? I was on Prozac some years ago and stopped, as it didn't seem to have an effect. I have recently had serious problems related to a disability and have started the Prozac again. I have "primary insomnia" and had been taking melatonin for that. Since they seem to do opposite things to the brain, I am wondering if there is a negative counter-balance effect.

Answer: Prozac can have an effect on your sleep cycle as well. If you are taking it in the evening and having trouble sleeping switch to taking it in the morning ( I have to). Melatonin will have no adverse effect when combined with Prozac. Melatonin is a natural hormone made in the body, you just make less as you get older. My doctor recommended Melatonin to me and I am on Prozac daily as well.

Question: Would psychophysiological insomnia, at first glance, present as (any) specific physical condition(s)? I am specifically interested in psychophysiological insomnia: essentially, somatized tension and learned/reinforced sleep-preventing associations that, of course, result in insomnia. Note: I'm not referring to primary sleep disorders, substance abuse related insomnia, nor those cormorbid with psychiatric, neurological, or medical disorders like, chronic pain or even fibromyalgia. I am wondering if this specific form of insomnia (i.e., psychophysiological insomnia) can mimick the symptom profile of other physical maladies. I would think its presentation would be different than other forms of insomnia, given different etiologies, but, I don't know... Thanx, psyengine. Not really what I meant. Said in another way, I am wondering what the physical effects are of psychophysiological insomnia (aside from fatigue--kind of an obvious one), but, specifically, whether these could mimic any particular physical condition. For example, I imagine extreme, chronic psychophysiological insomnia, depending on the individual, presenting not only as "fatigue", but, as say, a primary eating disorder, gastritis, or migraine, perhaps. See, I know that many "sleep disorders" are cormorbid or indicative of, for instance, long-standing physical illnesses, in the case of some primary sleep dysfunctions or psychiatric issues. However, I wonder, given psychophysiological insomnia is a said conditioned response or a reflection of "hyperarousal" (which can remain even when the initial stressor that, perhaps, precipitated the sleep issue, is long gon) whether the lack of sleep, in this case, could, resemble a physical illness, instead of a "sleep disorder", per se. So, instead of the sleep issue being etiologically related to a psychiatric or a physical illness, whether the reverse could be true, and if so, what does the physical sxs profile look like? Thanx, Fr. Al. I know, I know, my q was worded very poorly. It was very late when I posed this Q and I really should have just gone to bed instead of playing on Y!A. My brain was complete mush. Ha-ha-ha. Anyhow, I certainly didn't want to imply that "mental diagnoses" were all in one's head. Trust me when I say, that is NOT something I would say. In fact, where I live, there IS no stigma regarding these illness. There just isn't. Anyway, all I wanted to know with this inquiry was whether an insomnia problem could be mistaken as a physical illness. I rattled on about psychophysiological insomnia because I thought it would be a better instance (that the others) of when this might be possible. I imagined a patient complaining of primarily headaches and never being asked the Q: "how do you sleep?" In reality, the insomnia is causing the headaches, so they are treated, instead of the insomnia. I wondered what kinds of physical problems lack of sleep could produce/mimick. Grannyjill: Good idea :-). Thanx :-). Fr. Al: "physical problems" as in those that can not be related to an underlying primary DSM-IV-TR label. Can severe chronic insomnia cause gastritis, migraines, eating disorders etc?...

Answer: It is a difficult question, because of underlying psychiatric issues and comorbidity with addiction and its corollaries, but I believe also endocrine malfunction, such as hyperthyroidism (if adrenaline is dumped in the system ANYONE would have difficulty sleeping) can evidence as insomnia, as well as breathing difficulties and seizure disorders. Many with sleep apnea also tend towards insomnia, perhaps related to the fear that they may stop breathing. Psychiatric disorders also have a physical base, if they did not how could any medication be effective? We need to get away from the stigma of "mental illness". It's not all in people's heads. A sleep study with EKG can be very helpful in accurate diagnosis, as well as full blood work. [There are no independent systems in the body, a primary diagnosis is only a cue, everything is interrelated, physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional. Go to a surgeon and it will be treated surgically, a psychiatrist will treat it psychiatrically, an internist internally, etc. Which came first? The presentation of insomnia is sleeplessness, whether rooted in migraines, apnea, endocrine malfunction, or causative of any of these. The best we can do it seems is treat what is evident, hopefully with interdisciplinary sensitivity. At least that's the way I see it, but then my specialty is a little different, I get results with prayer, spiritual counseling and confession, meditation, and the laying on of hands. I send people to other specialists and physicians for things better treated there. Sometime a simple sermon can get remarkable results with putting whole masses of people to sleep. I believe I've known you too long to accuse you of anything simplistic or perjorative towards any suffering person, and did not mean to imply such.]

Question: Hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, only one ovary, but only 27...Could it be premature menopause? To make a long story as short as possible...I am 27, I had my right ovary removed over a year ago and I went without a period for 13 months. I started my period again (or at least started bleeding) this past Nov. and without fail would bleed every 2 weeks. I haven't had a period since Jan 21st. I've also developed some annoying symptoms...Mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, fatigue. I had my hormone levels checked by my primary care dr. and she is concerned that I might be going into premature menopause because of my results. Can someone tell me what these mean? These were all below normal range: Estradiol, Free, LC/MS/MS = 0.33 pg/mL % Free Estradiol = 2.05 %*** This was above normal range Estrodiol = 16 pg/mL Progesterone = 0.6 ng/mL These were within normal range: T3, Free = 290 pg/dL TSH, ultrasensitive = 1.03 mIU/L Testosterion, total = 27 ng/dL Cortisol = 13.0 mcg/dL And this one I just didn't understand at all Prolactin = 9.4 ng/mL But it said reference ranges for an adult 18> Non-pregnant 3.0 - 30.0 Pregnant 10.0 - 209.0 Post-Menopausal 2.0 - 20.0 So I don't understand where that number should go. I'm having some Gyno Dr. issues so I don't know when I'll be able to have them look these over, but can anyone help me get a better idea of where I stand. Could I really be menopausal??

Answer: I would make sure the remaining ovary is functioning correctly.Also see an endocrinologist, they can better determine and treat hormone problems than a GP or Gyne.

Question: What is your primary reason for using Yahoo Answers? A) To rack up points B) To express my opinions C) To learn from others' opinions/have an exchange of opinions D) To get advice E) To give advice F) To take advantage of the anonymity and be a wise-*** G) To connect with others H) Insomnia I) Pass time during work and/or boring stretches of the day/night J) To learn "creative " spelling systems K) Other: Be as creatively truthful as you want to be...inquiring minds may want to know....

Answer: G. Connect, I. Pass Time, K. Other: Pass on my knowledge to be of help to others, Exercise my mind and, accept others' knowledge or input for my questions.

Question: Having sleep problems? Ok recently I've been having trouble getting to sleep which I know is primary insomnia, but even when I do get to sleep it's not restful. It may be a combination of not being able to get to sleep and then having to get up at an early time allowing myself maybe two hours of sleep if any at all. Any information about what my problem may be, and if I should see a doctor about it.

Answer: Yea, i would go to a doctor if it is affecting your work or anything, i have trouble sleeping as well and i use a under the counter medicine called Unisome, I take 1-2 30 minutes to an hour before i go to bed, it is non habit forming. Most sleeping meds you get from a doctor u probally will get addicted to , this bottle of unisome is farily cheap and comes with 32 pills. Good luck with your problem.

Question: How do you concentrate and study better? [need help]? I have exams coming up for school, year 10, and I have real problems with studying... Apart from the fact I don't really care about my marks, I still want to get good marks or mum+dad wont be happy... I have really bad concentration problems, so I cant keep my mind on study without getting distracted and just going out for a while. Also, my other problem is that sleeping in before tests and all that stuff doesnt work because I've got primary insomnia, which means I dont get to sleep too often... any tips? I really need ur help.. thx

Answer: 1. Shut off everything which could possibly distract you (i.e., music, TV, phones, etc.) 2. Open your study stuff and organize it all on your table/desk. 3. Feed yourself, and have a snack/drink handy on the table/desk with you. 4. Get to Work! If you are having trouble sleeping, ask your doctor for sleeping pills for teens if it's really that bad, or find something relaxing, like listen to soft music, or just watch a movie until you sleep, better than nothing.

Question: Any recommendations for the type DR. that helps w/fibromyalgia? Primary Dr. is not helping much. My internist left to work at the hospital only. Just spent 6 days in the hospital. Chronic pain, insomnia and depression are ruling my life of late. Lexapro has definitely brought me a better quality of life. Please share your experiences and your coping skills.

Answer: I suggest a physcian who is a Board Certified Rheumatologist. American College of Rheumatology http://www.rheumatology.org/public/facts…