A Neglected Yet Important Issue: Sleep Disorder (Insomnia)

ifficulty in falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or waking up early, fragmented sleep, or the inability to sleep at all are problems that affect approximately one-third of adults. Due to technology and long working hours, sleep disorders are more prevalent in modern societies. Insomnia is most commonly observed in women and older individuals.

For a healthy adult, the sleep duration should be between 7 and 9 hours, occurring in a dark and quiet environment with four stages of sleep cycles continuing throughout the night.

Why Does Insomnia Occur?

• Smoking and alcohol
• Stress
• Depression
• Napping during the day
• Overeating
• Hormonal imbalance
  • Adrenal gland hormones
  • Estrogen
  • Progesterone
• Deficiency of certain minerals (magnesium, potassium) and vitamin D
• Caffeine-containing beverages (tea, coffee, etc.)
• Sleeping pills
• Environmental factors like noise and light
• Working hours, BEING A MEDICAL STUDENT…

Diseases such as cancer, heart problems, lung diseases, stomach disorders, thyroid issues, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and joint pains can cause insomnia. Additionally, chronic pains, difficulty breathing, and frequent urination can disrupt sleep patterns.

If you have been experiencing sleep disturbances for more than a month or if your sleep disorder is affecting your daily life, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

1. If you are between the ages of 35-55, it is essential to get hormone level tests, including estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, and thyroid. These tests can be done through blood, saliva, and urine.
2. Reduce stress through meditation, light exercises (such as yoga, pilates), and eliminate or turn off stimuli like phones, televisions, computers, lights, etc.
3. Establish a sleep routine by trying to go to bed at the same time every night.
4. Avoid stimulants like coffee, diet pills, alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, sugar, and caffeinated beverages. Inappropriate use of immune support and thyroid boosters, especially in women, can lead to insomnia due to the stimulating effects of high cortisol and adrenaline.
5. Change your diet by eliminating simple carbohydrates and processed foods. Cut down on refined sugar and high-saturated fat foods for a healthier diet.
6. Support your adrenal glands with adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals.

Insomnia reduces the quality of life, can lead to mistakes at work, and may even drive you towards suicide. In conclusion, insomnia is a serious condition or a symptom of an underlying disease, and if you suspect insomnia in yourself, it should be taken seriously.

References:

• The New England Journal Of Medicine / John W. Winkelman, M.D., Ph.D.
• Beyn.org/Barış Ünver
• TCL Medical Center / Zoom Heaton
• Bbc.com.tr/ Rachel Schraer & Joey D’Urso
• Turkish Neurology Association / Sleep Disorders

SAHAR SAMADİ\ 3RD YEAR MEDICAL STUDENT

‘The calmest journey is sleep.’ – Tevfik FİKRET