Cured Case Of Insomnia - A Report

If insomnia persists despite of following the 12 tips for insomnia relief given in the previous post, then medical treatment becomes necessary.

Homoeopathic remedies are the best for the cure of insomnia because-

• They have no harmful effects

• Produce natural sleep

• No risk of withdrawal rebound insomnia

• They are not habit forming

Facts about the homoeopathic treatment of insomnia

• In complete repertory 541 homoeopathic medicines are listed under the heading of sleeplessness.

• Homoeopathic medicine has to be prescribed on the basis of individualization.

• Different patients suffering from same disease may require different medicines for cure. 

• Constitutional medicine of the patient, carefully selected according to the rules of classical homoeopathy, relieves the patient of his or her insomnia.

I have verified this fact in my practice. As an example, I will discuss here a case of insomnia of 1 year duration, which was cured in a short time at my clinic.

Insomnia of 1 year duration cured with homoeopathy in a month ~ Case Report

Mrs. MP, age 60 years, visited Hariom Homoeopathic Clinic Haldwani with the complaints of-

1. Difficulty in getting to sleep; sometimes had to remain awake the whole night.

2. Increased anxiety at night.

3. Pain in extremities worse at night.

4. Acidity and sour eructation.

3 Apr 2009

Individualized homoeopathic medicine was prescribed according to the rules of Classical Homoeopathy.

7 Apr 2009

• Patient did not report much relief.

• Case was re-evaluated and prescription changed considering an error in first prescription.

• Patient was given medicine for 7 days.

14 Apr 2009

Patient did not turn up after 1 week.

17 Jul 2009

Patient reported that she did not return because all her complaints were relieved and now since her complaints have reappeared since few days, she has come to take that medicine which she received earlier.

Prescription given on 7 April was repeated.




More articles on insomnia:


1. Chronic insomnia: Can your sleeplessness be diagnosed as insomnia?


2. Causes of insomnia: 6 types of insomnia based on the causes


3. Insomnia relief: 12 tips to cure insomnia without medicines

Insomnia Relief: 12 Tips To Cure Insomnia Without Medicines

A refreshing sleep at night is a must for all, but in today’s stressful times sleeplessness has become a common problem. The elderly population is more at risk for insomnia because sleep becomes lighter and more easily disrupted with aging. 

However, its not a good idea to switch to the medications or sleeping pills from the very start, as these are habit forming and certainly not free from side effects. 

Here are 12 tips which will help you to manage insomnia without using medicines:

Tip #1 

Go to bed only when you feel sleepy:

• If you are not able to sleep during the night, it would be better to stay awake and do something interesting, like reading. 

• Don't be anxious because of your inability to sleep. Some delay will cause no harm to your body and it will naturally get as much sleep as it requires.

Tip #2

If you are still awake, even after 20 minutes of getting into your bedroom, go out and return only when you start feeling sleepy.

Tip #3

Sleep in a quiet, clean, cool, dark environment. Use the bed and bedroom only for sleeping.

Tip #4 

Make a habit of getting up at the same time every morning regardless of the amount of sleep during night.

Tip #5

Avoid stimulants like tea, coffee, smoking, alcohol, or other drugs, especially in the evening.

Tip #6

Exercise daily and go out for a walk in the evening. However, rigorous exercise in the evening should be avoided.

Tip #7

Avoid intake of liquids like water or juices before bed time.

Tip #8 

Reduce the level of stress or tension in your lifestyle. 

• Learn relaxation techniques and meditation. 
• Listening to soothing instrumental music at bedtime may also be helpful.

Tip #9

Do not take naps during the day time.

Tip #10

Any activity which has a stimulating or exciting effect on the mind should be avoided before sleep. For example, do not watch horror movies before going to sleep. 

Tip #11 

Take light evening meal or dinner.

Tip #12

Sleep at the same place every night.

If all these measures fail, then consult your doctor.




More articles on insomnia:


Can your sleeplessness be diagnosed as insomnia?


Causes of insomnia - 6 Types of insomnia based on causes


Cured Case of insomnia - A Report

                                                 

Causes Of Insomnia - 6 Types Of Insomnia Based On The Causes

According to the causative factor, insomnia may be classified into 6 categories -

#1. Psycho Physiologic Insomnia

• Patient imagines he would not be able to sleep at night.

• Remains awake as a result of his deliberate attempts to sleep.

• Sleeps easily at odd hours, when not trying to sleep.

#2. Extrinsic Insomnia

It occurs as a result of extrinsic factors that interfere with sleep. This includes-

a. Adjustment Sleep Disorder (Transient Situational Insomnia)

This can occur due to:

1. Change in the sleeping environment, such as:

• Hotel 
• Hospital bed
• Relative's  house

2. Before or after a significant life event, such as:

• New job
• Loss of a family member
• Illness
• Interview or exams

Recovery generally occurs rapidly, certainly within 2 to 3 weeks.

b. Inadequate Sleep Hygiene

This includes certain habits prior to sleep or a bedroom environment that promotes wakefulness. For e.g. 

• Trying to sleep with the television on.

• Husband or wife with a habit of moving limbs during sleep

• Room mate who snores loudly 

• Heavy dinner

• Rigorous exercise before sleep

#3. Altitude Insomnia

• Lack of concentration of oxygen at high altitude may result in development of periodic breathing.

• Frequent awakenings and poor quality of sleep. 

• Insomnia is generally worst on first few nights at high altitude but may persist longer.

#4. Drug or Alcohol-dependent Insomnia

Sleep may be disturbed by ingestion of a wide variety of substances. Most common among these ares-

• Caffeine

Caffeine can disturb the sleep for up to 8 to 14 hours after ingestion.

• Alcohol

Although alcohol can increase drowsiness and cause early sleep onset, even moderate amounts of alcohol increase awakenings after sleep onset by interfering with the ability of the brain to maintain sleep.

• Nicotine

Heavy smoking (more than a pack a day) causes difficulty falling asleep.

• Acute withdrawal of Hypnotics

This can lead to severe rebound insomnia.

#5. Insomnia associated with psychiatric disorders

Psychiatric disorders are often associated with persistent insomnia.

• Depression is usually associated with fragmented sleep and decreased total sleep time. 

• In Manic disorders sleeplessness is a cardinal feature and an important early sign of impending mania in bipolar cases.

#6. Insomnia related to medical conditions

Persistent insomnias are also related to a wide variety of medical conditions, such as:

• Pain
• Respiratory distress 
• Uremia
• Thyroid disorders

More articles on insomnia:


Chronic Insomnia: Can Your Sleeplessness Be Diagnosed As Insomnia?


Insomnia Relief: 12 Tips To Cure Insomnia Without Medicines


Cured Case Of Insomnia - A Report

Chronic Insomnia - Can Your Sleeplessness Be Diagnosed As Insomnia?

Sleeplessness is a common problem these days, but the diagnosis of insomnia is made only when certain essential features are associated with the sleeplessness. Read on to find whether your sleeplessness is actually insomnia!

Transient episodes of sleeplessness can occur due to:

• Stress
• Caffeine
• Physical discomfort
• Day-time napping 
• Early bedtimes

Such episodes resolve spontaneously and are of little significance. Then, what type of sleeplessness is diagnosed as insomnia?

What is Insomnia?

Diagnosis of Insomnia can be made only when the following essential clinical features are present-

Number 1 

Sleep disturbance is of one of the following types:

• Difficulty in falling asleep 
• Difficulty in maintaining sleep 
• Poor quality of sleep

Number 2

The sleep disturbance has occurred:

•  At least 3 times per week, for at least 1 month.

Number 3

Patient has:

• Preoccupation with sleeplessness and 
• Excessive concern over its consequences at night and during the day.

Number 4

The unsatisfactory quality or quantity of sleep either causes:

• Marked distress or 
• Interferes with ordinary activities in daily living.

So, the terms 'insomnia' and 'chronic insomnia' can be used interchangeably. 

Types of Insomnia

Insomnia can be of three types:

#1 Sleep Onset Type

• When the patient has a difficulty in getting to sleep

#2 Sleep Maintenance Type

• When the patient has a difficulty in staying asleep and there is intermittent wakefulness during the night.

#3 Premature Awakening Type

• Patient wakes up early in the morning.

Summary

Though few episodes of sleeplessness due to factors like stress or physical discomfort may occur now and then, but the diagnosis of insomnia is made only if patient has been suffering from poor quality or quantity of sleep, not less than 3 times a week for at least one month and  it becomes a matter of excessive concern and marked distress for the patient.

More articles on insomnia:

Causes Of Insomnia: 6 Types Of Insomnia Based On The Causes

Insomnia Relief: 12 Tips To Cure Insomnia Without Medicines

Cured Case Of Insomnia - A Report