Chronic Insomnia (தூக்கமின்மை)

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine's International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition (ICSD-3), chronic insomnia is characterised by,

• difficulty initiating sleep (தூங்குவதுற்கு துவங்குவதில் சிரமம்)

• maintaining sleep continuity, or, (தூக்கத்தை நீடிக்க வைப்பதில் சிரமம்)

• experiencing poor sleep quality (தூக்கத்தில் தரக்குறைவு)

These symptoms occur 3 nights or more a week for more than 3 months despite the presence of adequate opportunities for sleep, resulting in daytime dysfunction.

Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/how-do-sleeplessness-and-insomnia-sabotage-decision-making

ETIOLOGY (நோய் வரும் வழி)

1. Hyper arousal

2. Psychological causes (ex. depression, anxiety)

3. Excessive environmental stimulation

Sleep deprivation comes in all forms and in all ages. It is an actual disease that needs to be carefully evaluated with the help of your physician to tackle it immediately.

HEALTH HAZARDS DUE TO CHRONIC SLEEP DEPRIVATION (தூக்கமின்மையால் வரும் உடல் மற்றும் உளபாதிப்புகள்)

The cumulative effects of sleep loss and sleep disorders have been associated with a wide range of deleterious health consequences including an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stroke.

Chronic sleep deprivation also leads to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia as the brain's glymphatic system fails to get rid of toxic proteins like Beta-amyloid and Tau. Falling sleep & stay asleep is equally as important and every person should have at least an average of 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO FOR QUALITY SLEEP?

• The room should be pitch black/allowing very minimal light inside (Darkness is essential for the hormone melatonin to be secreted by the pineal gland, which promotes sleep)

  
  

• A well-ventilated room (proper air flow in and out of the room is important for a constant oxygen supply)

  
  

• Avoid air-conditioner usage as it dries out your skin and body. It can worsen the symptoms of arthritis if you have so. Instead of AC, use a fan to regulate air flow within the room.

  
  

• A warm shower before going to sleep: Bathing in lukewarm water at the end of the day calms down the nervous system, prevents you from being overstimulated, and prepares you for sleep.

  
  

• Avoid caffeine (in all forms) in the evenings.

  
  

• Avoid using your phone/laptop/ any other gadgets at least 3 hours before bed time. The visible light from such screens have a negative impact on your quality of sleep.

Source: https://casper.com/blogs/article/poor-sleep-quality?srsltid=AfmBOopfeB05HKGlukIUFWf-Q1b6Ey1HDVXzHGvqcIIg--89-b3REIhY

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN?

It is advised that you seek the help of your physician as soon as possible as this needs to be analysed systematically and solved holistically to prevent rapid worsening.

TREATMENT IN SIDDHA MEDICINE

Insomnia has a strong association with psychological disturbances & lifestyle habits. We aim to treat our patients through a thorough history taking to find out how it had all begun.

A combination of pharmacological & non-pharmacological therapy will be adopted.

• Pharmacological: Medicines like muthu parpam, amukkura choornam, sangu parpam, etc. can be given. This is purely based on the patient's state of condition, their body type and chronicity. Hence, it is customised based on each patient's needs.

  
  

• Non-pharmacological: Varmam treatments like Sara soothiram, Dharai therapy, Siddha Logotherapy in our clinic (உரையாடல் வழி உளசிகிச்சை) can be done.

It's never too late to seek help. Take ownership for your health & seek your physician's guidance to get yourself out of this health hazard.