Electronic devices can cause insomnia
Emphasizing that while a baby needs up to 17 hours of sleep every day, adults can sleep only 7-8 hours a night, neurology specialist Prof. Dr. Nihal Işık said: “The ideal sleep times are 14-17 hours for 0-3 months, 12-16 hours for 4-11 months, 11-14 hours for 1-2 years, 10-13 hours for 3-5 years, 9-12 hours for 6-12 years, 8-10 hours for 13-18 years, 7-9 hours for 18-64 years old and 7-8 hours for 65 years and older.”
Recalling that regular sleep helps one to be more energetic during the day, Prof. Dr. Nihal Işık said, “Regular sleep boosts immune function, keeps metabolism working as it should, improves memory, makes you feel energized and supports mental health.”
Insomnia is different for everyone.
Recalling that the problem of insomnia can be seen differently in everyone, Prof. Dr. Nihal Işık said, “A person’s life can change over time with sleep problems. Insomnia can be seen as difficulty falling asleep, short naps, waking up frequently during the night, waking up from sleep, not being able to wake up rested, tiredness and difficulty focusing.
Insomnia lowers immunity
Stating that the most common complaint about insomnia is the feeling of constant tiredness, Prof. Dr. Nihal Işık says: “The effect of this also contributes to problems with being able to concentrate and focus enough for normal daily functioning. The risk of developing mood disorders is often increased during periods of insomnia. Insomnia can also cause stroke, asthma, weakened immunity, inflammation, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.
Working conditions cause insomnia
prof. Dr. Nihal Işık: “In addition to various tests for the diagnosis of insomnia, the person may be asked to keep a sleep diary. This diary records how long they try to fall asleep, how long they sleep and what problems they have during the day. At the same time, some people may undergo diagnostic evaluations in sleep labs,” he said.
Underlining that there are medications that can be prescribed by the doctor to treat insomnia, lifestyle changes are also among the recommendations. Dr. Nihal Işık: “Medicines provide effective short-term results, but are not seen as an appropriate treatment for every person suffering from insomnia. In some cases, it may be necessary to provide people with psychological support, such as therapy.
Electronic items should not be used in the bedroom
Expressing that improving sleep quality is closely related to activities before and after bedtime, Prof. Dr. Nihal Işık said: “Especially trying to sleep and wake up at the same times every day of the week helps to put things in order. In addition, activities and meditation that calm the person down can also make it easier to fall asleep. Stopping eating before going to sleep and stopping caffeine intake hours before can also help prevent insomnia. At the same time, exercising during the day and not using electronic equipment in the bedroom is also very important for a healthy night’s sleep.
5 factors that cause insomnia
● Stress: Stress can trigger a reaction that causes poor quality sleep. The body’s physical and mental response to stress contributes to overstimulation and can cause insomnia.
● Sleep pattern: The body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, expresses the daily pattern of day and night. When this rhythm is disturbed, insomnia can occur in the person. Shift work may require a person to work through the night and sleep during the day, and involves difficulty sleeping.
● Mental health: Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder often lead to serious sleep problems. But it also cannot be ruled out that insomnia can exacerbate mood and anxiety disorders.
● Medication use: Insomnia can be a side effect of many types of medication. Especially blood pressure, asthma medication and antidepressants are among the drugs that can cause this.
● Age: Increasing age, different increase in health problems and drug use can be the cause of insomnia.
