What is Transient Insomnia?

Individuals with insomnia have difficulties falling or remaining asleep. Even when sleep is possible, the periods of time spent in slumber are often restless ones. There are miscellaneous types of insomnia. Transient insomnia is a type of this sleep disorder that occurs briefly or short term. In many cases, insomnia of this kind is triggered by a specific situation or event.

There can be several causes of transient insomnia. It commonly results as a reaction to a particular situation or event. For instance, an extremely stressful period in life can cause a brief inability to sleep. Stress may lead to other types of emotional disturbances such as anxiety and irritability, which can further prevent rest. For many people who are unable to sleep for this reason, a normal sleep pattern may return as soon as the stress is relieved.

A temporary illness or injury can cause a short-term disturbance of sleep. Often, people who are sick or injured are in too much pain to sleep. As their condition improves, it generally becomes easier to sleep like normal again. It may also be hard to sleep when there is a problem with a close relationship. For this reason, transient insomnia may follow a heated argument with a loved one.

Other common causes can include sleep environment changes. Initially, it may be difficult to sleep in an unusual or unfamiliar environment. This is one of the reasons why travelers frequently suffer from transient insomnia. Taking new medications, a change in work schedule, and consuming alcohol or a great deal of caffeine may also cause this problem. Sometimes, a person with severe depression may experience bouts of brief and chronic insomnia.

Transient insomnia symptoms may not be limited to the inability to sleep. The brief period of sleep deprivation may cause headaches, fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness. It may also be difficult to remain attentive to anything for a long time. During the short-term time frame where sleeping is difficult, there may be an overall feeling of exhaustion. Generally, individuals suffering from symptoms of a sleep disorder are more prone to be involved with an accident.

Treatment is not commonly needed for transient insomnia. Often, time will sufficiently resolve the problem. This is typically because the condition is short term and commonly coincides with a short-lasting situation. Individuals who frequently suffer from this condition may seek treatment from a doctor. He or she may prescribe some type of medication or recommend a type of therapy to appease the sleep disorder.