A good night’s sleep is just as essential as food and water for maintaining overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people struggle to fulfill this requirement due to a sleep disorder called insomnia. The disorder is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and the inability to get proper sleep. If left untreated, it can severely cause hindrance in a person’s daily life. Here are early symptoms that may help one recognize them and take steps toward better sleep hygiene.

Difficulty falling and staying asleep
One of the most common early signs of insomnia is difficulty falling asleep. People may experience the inability to sleep despite their best efforts. The consequent frustration of constantly tossing and turning may make them even more restless and unable to drift off. The inability to fall asleep may also cause people to have unpleasant thoughts, making them more stressful.

Another telltale sign of insomnia is waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep. While this may seem like a normal occurrence to some, if this happens on a regular basis, it might be a matter of concern. This fragmented sleep pattern can leave the person feeling weak and unrested the next day. If this keeps repeating, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to identify and treat its root cause.

Waking up too early
Early to rise does make one wise, but waking up too early, often way before the desired wake-up time, can be a symptom of insomnia. Usually, when this happens, a person can find themselves unable to go back to sleep. This unnatural and irregular pattern of waking up can rob one of their precious hours of restorative sleep and disrupt their sleep cycle. People who experience this symptom often find themselves wide awake in the wee hours, unable to return to sleep, and left feeling exhausted when it’s time to start the day. Waking up at odd hours can further worsen other symptoms like daytime fatigue and irritability.

Feeling fatigued throughout the day
One of the most stress-inducing symptoms of insomnia is the persistent feeling of tiredness that lingers throughout the day. This chronic fatigue can affect the person’s mood and productivity. They may even find themselves unable to concentrate and focus and struggling to stay attentive. The key to solving this issue is identifying and addressing the root cause of the sleep disorder with the help of a healthcare professional.

Disruptions in regular activities
Another common symptom is finding oneself low on motivation and energy for basic tasks. The sleep disorder can severely disrupt a person’s day by causing a drop in motivation to carry out their regular tasks. Simple tasks like cooking, working, or socializing with friends can become more challenging. This can either be a result of fatigue or feeling sleepy throughout the day. When the body doesn’t get proper sleep at night, the person may find themselves feeling sleepy or dizzy the next day. People usually try to fight this symptom by increasing their caffeine intake. However, caffeine may do more harm than good. It stays in the system for a long time, leading to an unhealthy sleep cycle.

Irritability
Chronic sleep deprivation can significantly affect a person’s mood, leading to increased irritability and mood swings. This symptom not only impacts one’s personal relationships but can also contribute to a more stressful and less enjoyable life. Moreover, this leads to increased stress, causing more overthinking, which can again cause sleeplessness.

Falling asleep at odd hours of the day
Taking a planned power nap in the afternoon is normal, but the tendency to nod off at odd hours during the day is a cause for concern. If a person finds themselves falling asleep at unfavorable times, such as during meetings, regularly, it is a sign that they have insomnia. This can be due to the lack of sleep they get at night and can be quite harmful, not only for their productivity but also for their safety. If one feels drowsy or sleepy during odd hours of the day on a regular basis, it is time to consult a healthcare professional.

Delayed responses and reactions
Delayed responses and reactions are another sign of insomnia that can have a significant impact on daily life. When one is sleep-deprived due to insomnia, the brain’s processing speed and cognitive function can be hindered. This can lead to slower reaction times and reduced ability to respond quickly to various situations. This can be particularly concerning in activities such as driving. Delayed responses can also affect one’s personal and professional lives.

Feeling worried about sleep time
Last but not least, feeling worried about sleep may indicate insomnia. This worrying can be because the person finds themselves unable to sleep on a regular basis. It may also be due to having constant disruptions in sleep patterns. One can suddenly wake up in the middle of the night.

While sleeping is the most relaxing thing for most people, for those suffering from insomnia, it can get quite stressful, which is why it is vital that it not be taken lightly.

Insomnia is surely frustrating, but it is treatable. If someone finds themselves suffering from insomnia, the first thing they should do is seek expert care before the condition progresses. If left untreated, the condition can increase the risk of developing other conditions like depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), among others. Therefore, it is also advisable to seek support from friends and family, to address the emotional aspect of the condition. Furthermore, on a personal basis, it is advisable to consider establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.