Why do women suffer more from insomnia?
Insomnia can be a sleep disorder caused by a lack of sleep. Around 35% of people in the US suffer from insomnia.
You may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep if you suffer from insomnia. You might also be waking up too early. Insomnia can cause fatigue, low energy, and poor concentration.
Women are more likely to experience insomnia than men. Around one-fourth of men aged over 30 suffer from sleep apnea, which can lead to insomnia. Men are also more likely to suffer from insomnia as they age.
Many treatments are available to help men who suffer from insomnia sleep better. Learn more about insomnia and when you should see a physician.
Types of insomnia
Men are prone to insomnia of various types.
Acute insomnia
Acute insomnia can be a short-term sleep disorder lasting a few weeks or days.
Environmental changes such as excessive light or noise, relocation, or extreme temperatures can cause the condition. Stressful situations, like work deadlines or relationship problems, can also lead to acute insomnia.
Chronic insomnia
If you have difficulty sleeping over a period of a month, it may be chronic insomnia.
There are two types of insomnia: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia is not caused by anything specific, but secondary insomnia can be the result of underlying medical conditions.
Chronic insomnia is caused by:
- Acid reflux
- Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic Pain
- The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk:
Onset insomnia
Sleep disorders such as onset insomnia are characterized by difficulty falling asleep, whether it is short-term or long-term.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are all psychological issues that can cause insomnia. You may have difficulty falling asleep or waking up at night. People with insomnia can also wake up early in the day.
Maintenance insomnia
Chronic medical or psychological conditions, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, can cause insomnia.
You may find it difficult to fall asleep or wake up in the morning. Maintenance insomnia can also cause people to worry about disrupting their sleep pattern and not being able to go back to bed.
Men’s insomnia symptoms
Sleep deprivation may last for days, weeks, or even months, and it can manifest in different ways, including:
- Sleeping difficulties
- Wake up in the middle of the night.
- Wake up too early.
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Anxiety and irritability
Men’s insomnia: common causes
Hyper arousal is often thought to be the cause of insomnia. Hyper arousal can be physical or mental and affect sleep in different ways.
Other health conditions can cause insomnia.
Other common causes include
Stress and depression
Over Worrying can keep the mind active and make it difficult to sleep. You may be concerned about your family, job, relationships, finances, or health. Stress can be caused by many things.
Stress can have a significant impact on sleep. Stress can cause sleeplessness by triggering reactions in the body. It can be difficult to break the cycle of sleeplessness and stress when you have difficulty sleeping.
Depression is another cause of insomnia. Depression is characterized by insomnia, including difficulty falling or staying asleep as well as oversleeping. It is believed that insomnia itself can worsen depression symptoms.
Age
Insomnia is more common in older people.
The sleep patterns of older people change as they age. They are also at greater risk for sleeping problems. Also, they are more susceptible to psychiatric and medical conditions such as depression and dementia. These conditions may cause sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Medicines
Sleep patterns can be affected by many prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including pain relievers, decongestants, and antidepressants.
Caffeine, stimulants, and other stimulants
If you drink coffee or alcohol after lunch, it can affect your sleep.
Alcohol may make it easier to fall asleep, but it can also hinder the deeper stages of sleep. Alcohol can also cause you to wake up in the middle of the night.
Nicotine and tobacco products also disrupt sleep as they inhibit the production of sleep hormones.
Health Conditions
Insomnia can be caused by a number of medical conditions, including:
- Heartburn
- Heart and lung diseases
- Chronic Pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Sleep apnea can be a cause of insomnia in men. This is a breathing disorder. This sleep disorder is characterized by snoring, pauses in breathing, and other symptoms that disrupt sleep.
Men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. It is often misdiagnosed and untreated.
Poor sleep habits
Sleep deprivation can be caused by not having a schedule for sleep and having bad sleep habits. Try these tips to promote better sleep:
- A sleep schedule you adhere to is important.
- Create a relaxing environment in your bedroom (try dim lighting, candles, and soothing music).
- Avoid distractions like TV, mobile phones, and working in bed.
- Avoid heartburn by eating your last meal before going to bed.
When should I seek treatment for insomnia?
Insomnia can cause fatigue and drowsiness, which makes it hard to focus and perform your daily tasks.
If you are experiencing insomnia symptoms, speak to your doctor. You can get a diagnosis from your doctor and a recommended treatment plan.
Men’s insomnia: treatment options
Stress can make it difficult to overcome insomnia. Making simple lifestyle changes can help promote restful sleep.
Your doctor will prescribe medication and recommend a treatment plan based on your severity.
Treatment options include
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
CBT is a proven method that helps insomniacs counteract negative thoughts and feelings that disrupt sleep. It is often used as the first-line treatment for insomnia due to its effectiveness.
CBT will help you explore the relationship between your thoughts, behaviors, and sleep. This treatment can help you deal with negative behaviors and thoughts that may disrupt your sleep. The treatment also helps break the cycle between stress and insomnia.
The duration of CBT will vary depending on your needs. It uses multiple strategies, including:
- Relaxation Techniques: These techniques include breathing and muscle relaxation exercises that help reduce anxiety and relax you before bed.
- Sleep Restrictions: A sleep restriction is a way to reduce sleep hours, avoid daytime napping, and promote better nighttime sleep.
- Stimulus Control Therapy: This therapy alleviates the things that condition your brain to stay awake at night.
- Lighting therapy: Lighting therapy resets your body clock so that you feel alert during the daytime and tired at night. You can also use it if you find it difficult to wake up in the morning.
- Paradoxical intent: This requires passively remaining awake. It reduces performance anxiety that is caused by concerns about sleep or insomnia.
Prescription drugs
You can ask your doctor to prescribe medication that will help you sleep better. You may be prescribed benzodiazepines, eszopiclone, ramelteon, zaleplon, zolpidem, or other medications.
Drowsiness is one of the side effects that these medications can cause. You are more likely to be involved in an accident if you’re drowsy. Before taking any medication, discuss possible side effects with your physician.
Over-the-counter medications
Sleeping pills are available over-the-counter to help with insomnia. Most of them are antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and Benadryl.
These drugs can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They also interact dangerously with other medications. These drugs can have side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness, and they can interact dangerously with other medicines.
Consult your doctor before using over-the-counter medication to treat insomnia.
Lifestyle changes
Minor adjustments to your daily schedule can ease insomnia.
Staying active, adhering to a sleep schedule, and limiting naps during the day are all examples. You can improve your sleep by avoiding caffeine, making the bedroom comfortable, and avoiding large dinners before bedtime.
