(Foreword: This is the continuation of our response to Amy T. of GSIS regarding her queries on the medical causes of insomnia)
Dear Amy T. of GSIS,
Alright, moving on. Here are more of the medical causes of insomnia.
5. Dementia
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia along with loss of memory can make these people restless. This is known as "sundown syndrome" or "sundowning."
6. Pain
When one is in pain, it is understandable that he or she cannot sleep. So whatever are the reasons for the pain - be it due to arthritis, chronic back issues, cancer or whatever condition, be sure to deal the symptoms separately from the illness that is causing them.
7. Itching
Itching badly can really ditch sleep. This happens if there are skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. So, you have to see your dermatologist to soothe your sleep.
8. Parkinson's Disease
This disease interferes with brain and nerve signaling, which makes the person more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. Moreover, it cannot be denied that in this condition, there is related anxiety and depression which can lead to sleep problems, too. Moreover, the medications that helps the patient put to sleep may lead to confusion for some patients.
9. Menopause
When hormones change its balance, this can make one more sensitive to things, such as stress that can affect sleep. And who could sleep well if you are drenched in sweat - as there are surges of adrenaline in severe hot flashes. The body temperature could go high as hell.
But, then, as we are out of space again for now, so, let me again continue this in my next issue. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, "Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz." She is the program host of Secrets with Dr. Fritz over Hugyaw.com . For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o SunStar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don't wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)