Insomnia, what is it?

Insomnia is a problem both at night and during the day. It manifests itself by difficulties falling asleep, long waking up during the night or waking up early in the morning. During the day, its consequences are a lack of concentration and energy as well as moments of intense fatigue and mood changes.

There are two types of insomnia: occasional insomnia and chronic insomnia. The first occurs sporadically and without any particular pattern while the second occurs at least 3 times a week and lasts several months.

Insomnia and its causes

In the case of occasional insomnia, the causes are usually due to an unfavourable environment. These external causes may be related to stress caused by an event, an illness or global lifestyle. In the latter case, the causes may include the consumption of stimulants such as coffee, the practice of sports before bedtime or the digestion of an overly large meal in the evening. Where you go to bed is also crucial for a good night's sleep. For more tips on how to design your bedroom, see our article on the Zen room.

Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, is due to two main factors: physical health and mental health. As far as the physiological state is concerned, various illnesses can affect sleep: sleeping sickness and illnesses of which insomnia is a secondary consequence such as rheumatism or nocturnal asthma. Psychological causes can be related to depression or a general state of anxiety, but also, paradoxically, by the fear of not being able to sleep.

How can you manage your sleep better?

Although the sleeping pill is still the best-known method of opposing insomnia, it is not the best. Indeed, it does help you sleep, but it does not solve the problem over time since you do not work on the causes of your sleep problems.

The first step in fighting insomnia is therefore to pay attention to your habits and to the quality of your sleep. On this subject, the psychologist Charles M. Morin has developed a test (Insomnia Severity Index) to evaluate your sleep. This allows you to better know where you stand and to discover whether the problem is occasional or chronic.

In the case of chronic insomnia, there is a treatment which combines behavioural techniques with cognitive techniques (BCT). Thanks to them, the patient learns to better manage his sleep, especially by learning to listen to his body and to define a better lifestyle, but also by rethinking his behaviour. As this method requires follow-up and a certain expertise, it is imperative to go to a sleep specialist.

For anything to do with occasional insomnia, it is more a question of making a few adjustments in your daily life. It is therefore important to find the tips that will help you have a better night's sleep. Au Bon Repos can help and guide you in choosing and developing the best possible environment for your sleep in the bedroom sphere. Discover on our website and in shop, a wide range of mattresses and box springs, household linen and decoration to create your ideal sleeping space.