Sleep disorders have been known to interfere with a person’s emotional, physical and psychological well-being. When a person finds themselves having difficulty sleeping, then they are known to suffer from insomnia. On the other hand, when a person sleeps excessively, then they are known to suffer from hypersomnia. Insomnia is categorized into three types: acute, chronic and transient. Acute insomnia is whereby symptoms of insomnia last from a few days to a few weeks. Acute insomnia, otherwise known as short-term insomnia is when symptoms last for several weeks. Chronic insomnia is when a person displays symptoms of insomnia that last for several months or years (Thorpy, 1990).
Insomnia doesn’t only affect old people; it affects people from all age groups whether male or female. Some of the effects of insomnia include poor school performance, obesity, anxiety, depression, poor immune system function, reduced reaction time, and an increased risk and severity of long-term diseases. Insomnia does have several causes some of which may be underlying medical conditions. Chronic insomnia is one such condition that has underlying medical complications. Transient insomnia may be a result of recent events or experiences (Poceta & Merrill, 1998).
As discussed, insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors and one factor is the use of drugs, alcohol and other medicines. Caffeine and other stimulants have been known to interfere with a person’s sleep pattern. In addition, psychological issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety have been known to cause sleep disorders. Other factors include hormonal changes, pregnancy, sleeping next to a snoring partner and genetic conditions (Ambrogetti, 2000).
Insomnia is usually diagnosed by a sleep specialist who investigates the patient’s medical history. A physical exam is also conducted so as to determine any underlying medical conditions that might cause insomnia.
Dampness in a home has a number of setbacks and can really be hard to eliminate if it is left untreated for a long period of time. It poses a great health risk to the tenants of the house and also has a devastating impact on the appearance of the building. A damp building encourages the growth of molds which affect the respiratory system. It causes coughs, hoarseness of the voice, headaches, running noses and an inflamed throat. In some instances, it may cause chronic bronchitis. Breathing difficulties, allergies and tiredness can be attributed to the growth of mold in a building (Gill, 2003).
Studies have shown that infants develop respiratory problems as a result of exposure to a specific type of mold known as penicillium. However, not all people have been affected the same way through exposure to molds. Some people are more sensitive and allergic to molds than others. Those that suffer lung illnesses are more likely to have stronger reactions to mold than those without. Although mold spores are found in the air, their damage can only be severe if they are left to grow in damp buildings (Goldstein, 2010).
Other than having allergies to mold, asthma is also one of the health complications associated with dampness in a building. It can be triggered by dust mites that accumulate in the humid and wet regions in a structure (Kearns & Gesler, 1998).. Bacteria on the other hand require humidity and water to multiply and damp areas provide these conditions. Bacteria are known to cause diseases and given the necessary conditions, may cause health complications to the occupants of a house. Such underlying medical disorders have been known to cause insomnia because they cause discomfort in an individual.
References
Ambrogetti, A. (2000). Sleeping Soundly: Understanding and Treating Sleep Disorders. Griffin Press Limited.
Gill, P. (2003). Housing and Health: The Role of Primary Care. Radcliffe Medical Press
Goldstein, W. E. (2010). Sick Building Syndrome and Related Illness: Prevention and Remediation of Mold Contamination. CRC Press
Kearns, R. A. & Gesler, W. M. (1998). Putting Health Into Place: Landscape, Identity, and Well-Being. Syracuse University Press.
Poceta J. S. & Merrill M. M (Eds.) (1998). Sleep Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment. Totowa, New Jersey: Humana Press Inc
Thorpy, M. J. (1990). PARASOMNIACS. The International Classification of Sleep Disorders: Diagnostic and Coding Manual. Rochester: American Sleep Disorders Association.