insomnia

When our loved ones are away, there can be times when we miss them so much it hurts. We reminisce about having them near and recall the times we shared. But in some situations, the relationship just… ends. Whether it’s due to death, a breakup or divorce, military service, or…

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a severe and debilitating mood disorder that affects some women after childbirth. It typically emerges within the first few weeks to months following delivery, though it can develop up to a year postpartum. PPD is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and overwhelming fatigue that…

Though we might not often think about it, sleep is a very important part of functioning. Without sleep, our bodies struggle to think, act, and keep functioning. Over time, a lack of sleep can even cause health problems like heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and many other…

The definitions for anxiety, stress, and sleep are quite different: Anxiety is a feeling of fear or apprehension, stress is a response to a perceived threat or challenge, and sleep is a natural state of rest that is essential for physical and mental health.  However, these conditions might be more…

Depression is characterized by intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Those who suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD) often experience a loss of interest in once-beloved activities, significant impairment in day-to-day functioning, and a range of other symptoms, such as changes to sleep and appetite.   These factors, most notably sleep…

Sleep is for the weak — right? While it might make us feel better to declare this adage after a late night, the opposite is true. Ideally, adults should get around seven or more hours of sleep per night. Sleep is essential to living a happy, healthy life, and even…

Despite what it sounds like, sleep divorce doesn’t always spell the end of a relationship. It’s what happens when one or both partners decide to sleep in separate beds. As controversial as it sounds, it’s actually pretty common.  But does sleep divorce truly spell the end of a relationship? And…

Let me paint you a picture. It’s 2 pm on a Wednesday afternoon, and you’re feeling stressed out, yet bored. You’re eating your lunch at your desk because you want to give off the impression that you’re working hard. You take a personal phone call and pretend to be speaking…

Do you have trouble falling or staying asleep? Researchers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience say your insomnia might stem from emotional distress. The team asked participants to relive shameful moments from their past, while receiving an MRI scan of their brain activity. Researchers found that good sleepers neutralized those…

Back in my college days, there was a period of time—maybe two to three weeks—when I couldn’t sleep. I’d lay down, pull the covers up to my chin, and close my eyes tight. But nothing would happen. Or, at least, what I wanted to happen wouldn’t happen. Instead of drifting…

Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative or hypnotic, which works by targeting chemical imbalances in the brain. It is most often used to treat insomnia and helps individuals fall asleep shortly after taking the tablet. There is also an extended-release form called Ambien CR, which has a first layer that dissolves…

Imagine a night spent tossing and turning under the covers. You check the time on your phone and squeeze your eyes shut after turning off the screen—only to have its outline still flashing behind your eyelids as you try to adjust to total darkness once again. Slowly, the hours tick…