June’s eyes were closed, but she could not fall asleep. Although the soothing sound of the ocean waves that emitted from the small battery-powered machine her mother gave her echoed softly around the room, sleep eluded her another night. She hadn’t been able to experience a restful sleep for days, and she was so tired.
Darkness to many people meant that it was time to unwind. After a long workday, the human body needs to rest. When it gets dark, whether by nature as in nightfall or by makeshift as in a darkened room, the body knows it is time to rest. The brain produces a natural sedative called melatonin to start the process. Then, the body goes into sleep mode to rejuvenate, replenish, and reset its 24-hour biological clock. But sometimes, this reset button does not work effectively, and it is difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, resulting in a sleep disorder called insomnia.
Like June, Dr. Jasvinder Chawla cited a Gallop study of sleep habits at Insomnia: Practice Essentials, Background, Anatomy (medscape.com that as many as 95% of Americans have reported an episode of insomnia at some point during their lives. However, many sources stated that insomnia is more prevalent in women than men. Why?
There is no clear explanation as to why insomnia is more common in women. One stance is that from birth, females are coded with the DNA to protect, provide, and serve. With this responsibility, when something goes awry, the female psyche resorts to resolution mode, cause worry and stress to set in and interrupt sleep. Women also experience insomnia during pregnancies being uncomfortable and frequent urination, menstruation cycles associated with cramps, and menopause episodes of hot flashes and night sweats.
Stress, depression, and anxiety are all contributors to insomnia. Many other factors play a part in insomnia. According to Insomnia – Symptoms, and causes – Mayo Clinic, poor sleep habits, travel or work schedule, eating a lot of food late in the evening, medical problems, caffeine, and age are other factors that can add to insomnia. In June’s case, she had been experiencing restless nights more than ever since she brought her newborn baby home. She became a worry worth. She became stressed out about how she would take care of herself and her son during the pandemic. At nights, she woke up to the baby’s cry. How Does Insomnia Affect Women? | Sleep Foundation said that 74% of stay-at-home moms reported symptoms of insomnia.
How long would June have to go through her sleep disturbances? Many told her that as soon as the baby starts to sleep through the night would be the only time she would get a good night’s rest. Usually, after the stressor had been resolved or eliminated, the body goes back to its regular sleep pattern. Three types of insomnia are base on the length one experiences disturbed sleep. One type of insomnia is called transient insomnia, which lasts for less than one week. Another type of insomnia is acute insomnia that lasts up to one month. And, there is chronic insomnia that lasts for more than one month.
Women will always experience insomnia more than men. There is no specific treatment for insomnia in the cases mentioned above. A woman can take medication for menstrual pain to alleviate the discomfort that kept them from a restful sleep. But, when it comes to pregnancies and babies, the best treatment for insomnia is time. Treatment also includes medication, behavioral changes, and therapy. Insomnia is treatable. Seek help if the stressor becomes overwhelming for you. Do not let insomnia at night dictates the outcome of your day.
Ok, I said it!