Negative Impact Of Insomnia Affects Daily Life - SMC Psychologist

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Insomnia has a negative impact, especially on physical and mental health, hence affecting daily life, said Sunway Medical Centre (SMC), Sunway City’s clinical psychologist Michelle Chong Hui Yi. 

She said insomnia is a disorder that causes an individual to have difficulty falling asleep, as well as waking up frequently or waking up easily despite having enough time to sleep and it needs to be addressed.

Insomnia, she said, will also affect feelings and emotions, cause anxiety and can even lead to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and stroke.

"Getting adequate and quality sleep are very important to ensure enough rest for the body and mind. Inadequate sleep or rest may cause individuals to experience fatigue during the day, be easily triggered, cause moodiness and difficulty concentrating on daily activities," she said in a statement today. 

Chong said based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association, individuals can detect insomnia based on symptoms such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking up too early, and being unable to return to sleep or experience sleep disturbances at least three nights a week for a minimum of three months despite having adequate time to sleep.

“Additionally, insomnia must not be attributed to other sleep disorders like narcolepsy or breathing issues, nor should it be linked to physiological effects such as drug or medication abuse or mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety or confusion,” she said.

Chong said that insomnia occurs among individuals of different age groups, such as children, teenagers and adults but it is more common in adults due to changes in sleep patterns and medication use.

"In terms of gender, women are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders, as this may be linked to hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause and other factors," she said.

Chong also highlighted several factors contributing to sleep disorders, noting that emotional and long-term stress can increase alertness by elevating hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

She also pointed out that excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, irregular sleep patterns, and high usage of electronic devices due to their blue light interference with melatonin production significantly impact sleep quality.

Furthermore, Chong highlighted the five types of insomnia, such as short-term insomnia, chronic insomnia, onset insomnia, maintenance insomnia and comorbid insomnia. 

“Short-term insomnia, often triggered by stress or environmental factors, typically lasts up to three months and may become chronic if it persists. Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, is characterised by sleep difficulties occurring at least three times a week for more than three months and can be linked to health issues, psychological conditions or lifestyle factors.

“Onset insomnia involves trouble falling asleep, taking more than 30 minutes to do so, whereas maintenance insomnia is marked by waking up during the night and struggling to return to sleep.

“Comorbid insomnia occurs alongside other medical conditions or psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety or chronic pain,” she said.

Meanwhile, she said insomnia can be treated through non-pharmacological approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia, which is a treatment to change thoughts and behaviours that contribute to insomnia.

She also said individuals with insomnia can get medical advice from a doctor who will then refer them to a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, if necessary.

"In addition, it is suggested to change lifestyles such as adopting healthy sleeping habits, exercising regularly to release endorphins and improve mental health, and at the same time adopting activities or hobbies that can reduce stress," she added.

-- BERNAMA