What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder, where a person has trouble to fall asleep or staying asleep. Insomnia may occur independently or as a result of another issues. Common causes of insomnia are stress, anxiety, chronic pain, menopause, and uncomfortable atmosphere of the bedroom.

Notice your sleep patterns, symptoms of insomnia may include:

• Finding it difficult to fall asleep
• Waking up several times during the night
• Waking up in the middle of the night and unable to return to sleep
• Not feeling refreshed after waking up
• Feeling tired and sleepy during the day
• Trouble concentrating and focusing
• Being irritable
• Depressed mood

What can I do to help with insomnia?

Although sleeping pills may help in short-term, they have numerous side effects and cannot be used for a long-term treatment. What you can do to make your sleep better is changing your life-style. For example: 

• Go to bed and wake up the same time every day
• Relax for at least one hour before bed (e.g. taking a warm bath, reading a calming book, listening to relaxing music)
• Create comfortable atmosphere for your bedroom (e.g. dark, quiet, comfortable temperature)
• Exercise regularly during the day (preferably not within 3 hours before bedtime) 
• Only eat light meal in the evening, avoid big and heavy meal
• Reduce caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol consumption
• Limit your screen time before bed

Check this article for more tips about how to sleep soundly at night.