Sleep is an integral part of your overall well-being. It is restorative for both your mental and physical health. Adults need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. In addition to the quantity of sleep, the quality of your sleep is important. Despite the importance, many people experience sleep-related issues. This can include an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia is a serious sleep condition that can impact the quality and quantity of your sleep. You may wonder, is insomnia considered a disability? Below you will find helpful information about the sleep condition and what you can do about it.
Is insomnia considered a disability?
Millions of people struggle with insomnia. Despite the grave impact it can have on your health, it is not considered a disability on its own in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control defines what a disability is. It is a physical or mental condition that makes it difficult for a person to perform any substantial or gainful activity or interact with the world around them.
Typically, we measure disability by three categories, including impairment, activity limitation, and participation restriction. Impairment implies a significant difference in mental or bodily function. Activity limitation involves difficulty performing tasks, including walking, hearing, seeing, or problem-solving. Participation restriction remains defined as difficulty with daily activities, such as work, social, or recreational activities. Despite the serious consequences associated with insomnia, it remains not considered a disability on its own.
Causes of Insomnia
Insomnia is generally a symptom of another condition. This often explains why it remains not considered a disability on its own. Common causes of insomnia include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, neurological disorders, injuries, and chronic disease. If you experience any of these issues, in addition to sleep issues, contact Sleep MD. They offer insomnia treatment that can effectively address your sleep issues. The type of treatment depends on your symptoms and the underlying causes of your insomnia. A skilled sleep specialist can provide you with a diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
The Impact of Insomnia
Even though insomnia remains not considered a disability, it can have a serious impact on your overall health. This includes both physical and mental health issues. Consider the following impacts of insomnia.
- Weakened Immune Function: Insomnia can make you more susceptible to infections and illnesses
- Cardiovascular Issues: Insomnia increases your risk of heart disease and hypertension
- Weight Gain: Poor sleep can impact your body’s hunger hormones which can lead to weight gain
- Increased Risk of Diabetes: Sleep issues can impact insulin sensitivity which can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes
- Mental Health Conditions: Insomnia proves linked to mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety
- Cognitive Issues: Lack of sleep can impair your cognitive functions, such as concentration and decision-making
- Increased Stress: Sleep issues can impact your stress hormones and make daily life difficult
- Work-Related Issues: Insomnia can lead to professional and academic issues as it can impair your cognitive functions
- Suicidal Ideations: Sleep-related issues can increase your risk of suicidal thoughts, especially when combined with other mental health conditions
Insomnia Treatment
Sleep issues that persist or get worse for more than one to two weeks require evaluation. A sleep specialist can diagnose your sleep issues and pride an effective treatment plan. Once the root cause is determined, a customized insomnia treatment plan can be curated to meet your unique needs. This can include lifestyle changes, talk therapy, and a nighttime routine. Medication can be beneficial in some cases. However, it’s important to talk with a professional to determine the best course of action. Contact Sleep MD today to schedule an appointment.
