Sleep is a necessity of life, and without quality rest, our body simply cannot survive in the long term. It’s just that stress, caffeine and all the distractions before bed don’t help us. Waking hours become endless. But is it really “just” external influences or health problems?
For many of us, the occasional restless night is unfortunately a normal part of life and we take it as a toll for the modern way of life. Sometimes a suspenseful detective story is enough and we can’t fall asleep even after midnight. Once in a while the organism overcomes such a night without major difficulties, but more frequent repetitions can literally become a crippling problemwhich will significantly reduce the quality of life. When is it time to start looking into the reasons and possibilities of correction?
Sleep problems are more common than we think:
Specialists use the 3-3-3 rule
The line between occasional bad sleep and insomnia – i.e. serious clinical insomniais not as clearly defined as we would like. So we can use a simple one to help the 3-3-3 rule used by sleep medicine specialists. This system is built on three basic pillars, where doctors examine the frequency, duration and impact of sleep problems on the patient’s life. It is not just a list of symptoms, but a real diagnostic tool that can distinguish a minor problem from a destructive disorder.
Don’t sleep three times a week?
So what do the numbers mean? The first three represent the number of nights in a week, i.e. the frequency of the problem. for it does not refer to one sleepless night. But if the same situation is repeated at least three times a week, it’s time to pay attention. It does not necessarily have to be the inability to fall asleep, but rather falling asleep for more than half an hour, waking up repeatedly during the night and having an impaired ability to fall asleep again.
Three months in a row
The second number then expresses the duration of the problem (this time in months). Short-term inconsistencies in this regard may be due to the current life situation, stress and the like. But if the first three – that is three days of poor sleep per week – valid for at least three consecutive months, this is one of the main points for chronic insomnia.
Three problems out of four
Finally, here is number three once again, which this time is devoted to the impact of poor quality sleep on a person’s daily functioning. Doctors identified four problems, three of which indicate a chronic sleep disorder. These include: fatigue or weakness, impaired concentration, mood swings (irritability, anxiety, depression) and a higher frequency of mistakes at work or school.
Are those around you complaining? Think about it
Do you notice that you have not slept well for at least three days a week for three months, which affects you in normal daily activities such as performance at work or in studies, or colleagues and family complain about your unnecessary irritability? There is nothing to wait for. Do not try to solve the problem with amateur attempts, but seek professional help. Untreated insomnia can clearly have a devastating impact not only on a person’s physical, but also on their mental health.
