In our next article, we will explore the topic of insomnia and dyssomnia , with particular attention to the causes, symptoms and steps of diagnosis. We examine the differences between sleep disorders , find out the possible causes of insomnia, and how to recognize the symptoms. We cover the treatment options for insomnia and when to seek professional help . In addition, we examine the role that the right mattress plays in good sleep and how it can help alleviate the symptoms of insomnia.

Differences between insomnia and dyssomnia

Many people mistake insomnia and dysnomia for the same thing, but we find surprising differences between them. Insomnia can basically be described as difficulty falling asleep and a state of constant wakefulness . In contrast, dyssomnia is a broader term that encompasses a range of sleep disorders, from insufficient sleep to poor quality sleep . So, while insomnia is related to not enough sleep, dyssomnia includes everything that can be a sleep problem.

What is insomnia and what causes it?

Insomnia , also known as insomnia , refers to a condition in which falling asleep is difficult and we constantly wake up . This affects our daytime activity, our energy level, our mood and our general state of health. The causes of insomnia can be many. These include mental health problems such as stress, depression or anxiety . In addition to these, lifestyle factors such as regular caffeine or alcohol consumption, taking certain medications, or regularly staying up late at night can also cause it. Certain sleep disorders can also cause insomnia. It is important to note that insomnia is often a symptom , not a separate disease, which must be treated with appropriate treatment.

Symptoms and diagnosis of insomnia

If you have recently noticed that it is difficult to fall asleep , you often wake up at night , or you do not feel sufficiently rested after waking up, then it is possible that insomnia is making your life difficult. The symptoms of insomnia are diverse, they can be, for example:

• he wakes up too early
• insufficient quality sleep
• anxiety during sleep
• constant fatigue during the day
  

These symptoms may occur alone or several may appear at the same time . This also means that the disease manifests itself a little differently for everyone.

The diagnosis of insomnia is primarily based on the patient's complaints and the results of the physical examination. The treating doctor will ask about the following:

• Does lack of sleep interfere with your daily activities?
• Does it take longer to fall asleep, like 30-45 minutes?
• Do you have problems waking up at night or waking up early?

If, based on the answers, the doctor suspects insomnia, he may also recommend additional tests, such as polysomnography or actigraphy .

Polysomnography

Polysomnography is a test performed during sleep , during which several physiological functions, such as breathing, blood oxygen level and heart rhythm, are monitored . During the procedure, the doctor will ensure you get enough sleep at bedtime so that your sleep patterns can be closely examined.

Actigraphy

Actigraphy is a device that monitors a person's daytime activities and sleep habits , which is similar to a wristwatch. This device is usually given to the patient for a period of ten days in order to collect objective information about his sleeping habits.

It should be noted that the diagnosis of insomnia does not only mean the recognition of symptoms and physical examination, but also the discovery of possible psychological and physical causes behind sleep disorders.

How can it be treated?

If insomnia proves to be a persistent problem, there are several treatment alternatives available. These options are usually aimed at developing good sleep habits, such as following a sleep schedule , reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption , and creating a sleep-friendly environment . It is very important that the mattress used in the bed is comfortable and meets personal needs.

Relaxation techniques , such as meditation and mindfulness exercises, can help relieve tension and prepare the body for sleep. Medicines administered under medical supervision may be needed to treat more severe forms of insomnia . Always consult an expert , such as a doctor or psychologist, before taking any medication to treat persistent insomnia.

When should you seek help for insomnia?

If you have been struggling with insomnia for a long time and feel that you are unable to solve the problem yourself, it is time to seek expert help. If insomnia affects your daily life , you start the mornings exhausted , or you notice that your ability to concentrate decreases , it is definitely advisable to consult a doctor. Also, if you feel depressed, anxious or are accompanied by unpleasant dreams , also seek professional help.

It's definitely important to see a doctor if insomnia is a side effect of a medical condition, such as asthma, medication, other illnesses, or mental health problems.

How can the right mattress help with insomnia?

Choosing the right mattress can have a big impact on the quality of your sleep, and is almost as important as an optimized sleep routine . If the mattress is not suitable for your preferred sleeping position, it can cause discomfort and restlessness during sleep and contribute to insomnia. The mattress, which follows the shape of your body and conforms to your sleeping habits, helps relieve pain and discomfort experienced during sleep, thereby reducing the chance of insomnia.

The 11-question mattress selection quiz we developed will help you choose the most suitable mattress for you, taking into account your individual parameters, such as height, weight, body measurements and allergies or known health problems.

1. Mattress hardness: If your mattress is too hard or too soft, it can lead to pain and discomfort. Proper support of the spine plays an important role in the treatment of insomnia.
2. Materials used: It is important that the material of the mattress does not provoke allergic reactions, as this can adversely affect the quality of sleep. It is recommended to choose a mattress made of hypoallergenic materials.
3. Temperature control: Optimum setting of the night temperature can contribute to a comfortable night's rest. If you are often too warm while sleeping, the temperature control of your mattress may be the problem. Choose a mattress that follows temperature changes and ensures a pleasant feeling of warmth at night.
4. Movement Absorption: If you sleep in a shared bed with someone, it is important that the mattress is able to absorb movements. This helps reduce awakenings during the night and provides a more restful sleep.
5. Material quality: Last but not least, great emphasis must be placed on the quality of the material of the mattresses. Durable and high-quality materials ensure comfort over a long period of time, thus contributing to overcoming insomnia.

Summary

Insomnia and dyssomnia are problems that can greatly affect our everyday life. In the case of insomnia, it often happens that we are unable to fall asleep, and it can be particularly disturbing when we are unable to sleep through the entire night. We talk about dyssomnia when these problems become permanent. We have several methods for diagnosis, such as:

• Polysomnography: This is a detailed sleep study during which physiological changes during sleep are recorded. With the help of the test, not only the quality of sleep, but also its quantity can be studied.
• Actigraphy: This is a much simpler tool that measures activity levels. This helps to identify sleep problems.

Treatment for insomnia depends largely on what is causing the sleep disorder.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between insomnia and dyssomnia?

Insomnia is when someone has difficulty falling asleep, often wakes up at night, or does not feel rested after waking up. Dyssomnia is a more general term that includes a broad spectrum of sleep disorders, including insomnia.

What are the main causes of insomnia?

Insomnia can be caused by many factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, taking certain medications, unhealthy lifestyle and sleeping habits. Sometimes certain diseases can also cause insomnia.

What are the main symptoms of insomnia?

If you have trouble falling asleep, wake up often at night, wake up early in the morning, and don't feel rested, you may be suffering from insomnia. Other signs include irritation, concentration problems and frequent fluctuations in appetite.

What are the best treatment options for insomnia?

There are many options for treating insomnia. These include behavioral therapies, relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes, taking medications to improve sleep, and improving sleep hygiene.

When should I seek help for insomnia?

If you struggle with insomnia for more than three weeks and it seriously affects your daytime functioning, you should consult a healthcare professional.