Marla Ahlgrimm: Insomnia More Than Sleeplessness

Sleep is a basic human need that, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, is vital to the brain and the body. More than 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. Insomnia is one of the most common and is characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Marla Ahlgrimm claims that people with insomnia usually experience one or more of the following:

• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Decreased work or school performance
• Low energy

There are three forms of insomnia: transient, acute, and chronic.

Transient insomnia lasts from a few days up to a week. Some causes include:

• Excessive worry
• Short-term stress (A few examples cited by Marla Ahlgrimm include an upcoming exam, arguments with a significant other, or criticism at work)
• Excitement
• Sleeping in an unfamiliar place
• Jetlag
• Illness
• Relationship problems

These effects are short-term, and Marla Ahlgrimm explains that most women resume normal sleep once they have passed. The best way to deal with transient insomnia is to relax and remain calm. A warm bath, a good book, and lowering the room temperature might also help.

Acute insomnia is a form of insomnia that is similar to transient but can last for several weeks. Additional triggers include:

• Long term illness
• Loss of a loved one

Chronic insomnia is long-term and can last for months or years. This type of insomnia may be caused by a variety of medical conditions and lifestyle habits, including:

• Chronic pain
• Low back pain
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Allergies
• Hyperthyroidism
• Reflux disease
• Excessive drug and alcohol usage

Changing your sleep habits and managing stress can help to restore restful sleep, asserts Marla Ahlgrimm. However, if you have been unsuccessful with this approach or have a medical condition that is preventing you from a good night’s sleep, it may be necessary to see a physician to address the issue.