Who Is Most At Risk Of Insomnia?

I am frequently asked, "Who is most at risk of insomnia?"

 90% of the general population suffer from insomnia at one time or another in their lives. These people tend to fall into several general categories:

• Those under a lot of stress.
• Lower income groups.
• Shift or night workers.
• Travelers that cross time zones.
• People whose lifestyles are not very active.
• People with certain medical conditions or who suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
• Those with mental health disorders (including depression), or those facing divorce, death of a spouse or other similar emotional issues.
• African Americans in the young to middle age range.
• Women.
• Individuals over 60.

Who is most at risk of insomnia? Why women?

Women experience more likelihood of developing insomnia than men because of the many hormonal changes they experience throughout their lifetime (such as during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause). Women are also more prone to depression and anxiety, which are linked with insomnia. However, it is interesting to note that women generally have less disrupted sleep than older men.

Why might the elderly have more sleep problems?

Aging individuals experience a more fragmented sleep pattern, and also tend to wake up earlier. There is also more likelihood of underlying medical conditions and physical weakness that can affect quality of sleep, causing pain or discomfort.

Some of these conditions include lung and heart conditions, arthritis, frequent urination and gastrointestinal problems. Also affecting the elderly are such neurological conditions of Alzheimer’s.

Why are African Americans more prone to poor sleeping patterns?

Studies show that African Americans take longer to attain the sleep state. They take more naps, don’t generally sleep well at night, and don’t attain deep sleep states as much. Breathing difficulties associated with poor sleep seem to be more common among African Americans.

1. According to several studies, African Americans clock fewer sleep hours and have their sleep interrupted more frequently.
2. They are more likely to take sleep medications. They have busier bedtime routines.
3. They do more job-related work right before bed and worry more than whites about financial and job-related issues.
4. They say they need less sleep, but these attitudes may be associated with greater occurrences of diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea.

How does insomnia affect shift workers?

Shift workers are at a high risk for insomnia. One or more insomnia symptoms several times a week are reported by more than half of all shift workers. Those with changing shifts and those over age 50 are particularly at risk.

Night shift workers’ biological clocks are apparently also affected as they have a high degree of sleep disturbance, are at a greater risk of auto accidents due to drowsiness, and a greater risk of poor health in general.

By the way, would you like to find out more about who is most at risk of insomnia and what they can do to treat it? This video goes into those details and tells of how deadly this condition can be.

More Healing Articles By Mokie To Help You Beat Insomnia:

1. The Effects Of Aging On Insomnia
   
2. How To Stop Your Hyperthyroidism From Causing Insomnia
   
3. Is GERD Contributing To Your Insomnia?
   
4. How Insomnia Puts You At Risk Of Diabetes
   
5. Strategies And Remedies For Insomnia
   
6. Foods That Affect Insomnia In A Negative Way
7. Foods That Affect Insomnia In A Positive Way
   
8. How Does Insomnia Affect Mental And Emotional States?
   
9. Who Is Most At Risk Of Insomnia?
10. Signs And Symptoms Of Insomnia
    
11. Home
    

By the way, would you like to find out more about who is most at risk of insomnia and what they can do to treat it? This video goes into those details and tells of how deadly this condition can be.