Resolving My Stepdaughters Insomnia Problem (2024)

FAQs

What happens when insomnia doesn't go away? ›

Chronic insomnia can lead to increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and motor vehicle accidents. Over time, this lack of sleep can contribute to health problems such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Acute insomnia lasts only a few days to weeks and often results from specific circumstances, such as a bereavement. But, some people have chronic insomnia, which disrupts sleep for three or more nights a week and lasts 3 months or longer.

Insomnia raises your risk of falling, having a road accident, or missing work. In addition, chronic insomnia can affect how well your brain, heart, and other parts of your body work. It can raise your risk of certain health problems or make existing problems worse.

Long-term insomnia is usually due to stress, life events or habits that disrupt sleep. While treating the cause of your sleep problem may stop your insomnia, sometimes it can last for years. Common causes of long-term insomnia include: Stress.

Changing sleep habits and taking care of any issues related to insomnia, such as stress, medical conditions or medicines, can result in restful sleep for many people. If these steps do not work, your doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medicines or both to improve relaxation and sleep.

There is no set number of hours of sleep that qualifies someone as having insomnia because each person has different sleep needs. Generally, adults are recommended to get 7 hours of sleep each night.

Follow a routine that helps you wind down and relax before bed. For example, read a book, listen to soothing music, or take a hot bath. Your doctor may also recommend massage therapy, meditation, or yoga to help you relax. Acupuncture may also help improve insomnia, especially in older adults.

If you've tried several insomnia remedies and they aren't working, it may be time to see a doctor. Your doctor may give you a physical exam and will ask you questions about your sleep habits and patterns. You should see a doctor if your insomnia lasts over a period of months or if it's affecting your daily life.

How long does it take your brain to recover from insomnia? ›

Research has shown that it can take up to four days to recover from one hour of lost sleep and up to nine days to completely eliminate sleep debt. View Source . A full recovery from sleep debt returns our body to its baseline, reducing the negative effects associated with sleep loss.

Will you eventually sleep with insomnia? Yes, you will eventually fall asleep, even if you do not take any intentional steps to do so. Your body can only stay awake for so long before succumbing to exhaustion.

If you've been having trouble sleeping for a few weeks due to stress in your life, it's likely to resolve once you get past the troubling event. However, if you have a stubborn case of insomnia that's been going on for years, you'll need to put effort and commitment into resolving it, Salas says.

Most people can recover from sleep deprivation with only a few — or even just one — nights where they get enough quality sleep. However, some people may need several nights of quality sleep to recover from long-term sleep deprivation.

Create a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine.

For example, drink a cup of caffeine-free tea, take a warm shower or listen to soft music. Don't use electronic devices with a screen, such as laptops, smartphones and ebooks, for an extended time just before bed. The light from these screens can disrupt your sleep.

Keep the same bedtime, wake time, and mealtimes every day of the week, even on your days off. This helps keep your internal clock set around your work schedule. Allow yourself enough time to wind down after work before trying to fall asleep. Don't just come home and crash.