Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting millions of people who have difficulty falling asleep or obtaining the minimum recommended amount of six hours of rest per night. According to Ulises Jiménez Correa, a researcher at the Faculty of Medicine of UNAM, this problem is very relevant and can have serious health consequences.
A study conducted by the Sleep Clinic of UNAM followed 89 adult patients with chronic insomnia who had taken medications to treat this disorder in the year prior to their admission. Information was collected on medication use patterns and it was found that in many cases, the prescribed medication was not appropriate. Jiménez Correa emphasizes the importance of specialized medical attention for these cases.
Insomnia, along with snoring and apnea, affects people's sleep quality, which can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression. In the short term, insomnia causes daytime fatigue, irritability, depression, and other problems, while in the long term it can increase the risk of more serious diseases such as hypertension. Despite the prevalence of insomnia, it is often not correctly diagnosed due to its relationship with other physical or psychological conditions.
On the occasion of World Sleep Day, Jiménez Correa highlights the importance of making healthy sleep a priority. Factors such as excessive artificial lighting, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet can hinder nighttime rest and lead to long-term health problems. It is essential to adopt good habits to improve sleep quality, such as getting up early, exercising regularly, and having a light dinner.
The specialist warns about the risk of self-medicating to treat insomnia, as this can further complicate the problem. According to a study, people with insomnia problems are more likely to use medications irrationally, such as benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. In Mexico, nearly 19% of adults over 20 years old suffer from insomnia, reflecting the magnitude of this disorder in the population.
