Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which one has trouble falling and/or staying asleep. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder experienced by 50-70 million adults in the United States.
The major causes of insomnia often include.
Stress or trauma
Travel or work schedule
Poor sleep habits
Eating too much late in the evening
Mental health disorders such as anxiety, PTSD and depression.
Medications
Medical conditions such as chronic pain, cancer or heart disease.
Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol
To better prevent insomnia, it is recommended to avoid or limit naps, avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol and keep a regular sleeping schedule.
Support groups are safe spaces structured to allow participants to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies and information about symptoms and treatments. The discussions often are facilitated by an experienced leader or a medical professional.
If you suspect your chronic insomnia is caused by an underlying mental health or substance problem, attending support groups is a great way to get help. Support groups can allow us to make connections, providing tangible benefits to people experiencing mental health issues.
Benefits of participating in support groups can include:
Reducing feelings of loneliness, isolation and stigma
Getting practical advice or information about how to get better sleep
Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue from insomnia
Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope
Benefits of online support groups can include:
Faster time to get help, skipping appointment wait time
More frequent or flexible participation
A cost effective way to see a licensed mental health professional
A degree of privacy or anonymity comparing to local community support groups
Opportunities for people in areas with no face-to-face support groups
You are not alone. Herd is ready to support you.