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=**The Effects of Stress on Sleeping Disorders (Insomnia In particular)**=

Getting sleep is something critical in a person's everyday life in order to function correctly.

> http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/inso/ This link gives the different types of **symptoms and treatment** of chronic and acute insomnia including difficulty sleeping, being tired even after you wake up, not being able to sleep at night, and waking up too early. It also talks about the two different types which are primary and secondary insomnia. Secondary insomnia would be the one that would be linked to the stress more so than primary. http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/insomnia-symptoms-and-causes
 * Insomnia:**
 * acute: days to weeks
 * chronic: at least a month or longer
 * can be caused by all different types of stress
 * no energy
 * really tired during the day
 * can cause depression
 * can't focus
 * long lasting stress

The above linked article states that for the treatment for insomnia: "Acute insomnia may not require treatment. Mild insomnia often can be prevented or cured by practicing good sleep habits (see below). If your insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day because you are sleepy and tired, your health care provider may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time. Rapid onset, short-acting drugs can help you avoid effects such as drowsiness the following day. Avoid using over-the-counter sleeping pills for insomnia since they may have undesired side effects and tend to lose their effectiveness over time." "Treatment for chronic insomnia includes first treating any underlying conditions or health problems that are causing the insomnia. If insomnia continues, your health care provider may suggest behavioral therapy. Behavioral approaches help you to change behaviors that may worsen insomnia and to learn new behaviors to promote sleep. Techniques such as relaxation exercises, sleep restriction therapy, and reconditioning may be useful." http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/insomnia-symptoms-and-causes
 * Treatment for insomnia:**

The stress doesn't necessarily have to be bad stress, it can be good stress, but it can still cause insomnia. Stress happens to everyone, all the time. An excessive amount of stress can really affect how one sleeps though. It's a major contribution. This article states that there are many different types of stress, and big life changes than cause stress can also cause insomnia or other sleeping disorders. Big life changes can include: a job loss, a move to a different state or country, a divorce, having a baby, moving out, family problems, and many more. Stress is one of the most common things in a person's everyday life and it's how one handles the stress that leads them to different problems, such as insomnia. http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20188525,00.html
 * Stress and Insomnia:**

This article on the livestrong website states that stress is the leading cause of insomnia. Some people are more likely to develop stress related problems, which leaves them at a higher risk for developing insomnia. The more one worries about the problem, the less sleep he or she will get. The article calls this the "snowball effect." "The more you worry about not sleeping and the harder you try to rest, the more likely you will be wide awake due to a stimulated brain." http://www.livestrong.com/article/3128-facts-causes-insomnia/

> http://www.livestrong.com/article/3128-facts-causes-insomnia/
 * Facts on Causes of Insomnia: Besides stress being the main problem, other aspects can prolong the insomnia**
 * Stress ("Relationship, financial, work or family issues may lead to sleep problems.")
 * Snowball effect
 * Drugs
 * Caffeine
 * Cigarettes
 * Drugs for other problems such as colds, antibiotics, allergies, etc.
 * Disrupting regular sleeping patterns due to change in work and whatnot.
 * Too much TV
 * Background noise while trying to sleep
 * Lighting

This video is of Dr. Harlan Mittag. He talks about how stress can cause fatigue and insomnia, and about how stress is often called the "silent killer." He also talks about if you're stressed, all you want to do is go sleep, but you lay down and just lay there thinking about things and how stressed you are. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFHiGcwNpcs
 * Symptoms of Stress - Fatigue & Insomnia**

Insomnia Cures & Treatments: > http://www.helpguide.org/life/insomnia_treatment.htm
 * If you're using sleeping pills, those will need to be eliminated
 * Get rid of the alcohol
 * Don't drink as much coffee
 * Late night TV
 * Stop using the Internet late at night
 * Keep a sleep diary
 * Keep bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
 * Stick to regular sleep schedule
 * Avoid naps
 * Avoid stressful situations before bed