HOW INSOMNIA IS MANIFESTED
The onset of insomnia can be manifested in several symptoms. These symptoms may also vary among different people. The difficulty in falling or staying asleep, leading to lack of sleep, is considered as one major symptom.
Minor manifestations of this sleeping disorder may also include staying awake for a long time even while lying down and trying to fall asleep, consistent short periods of sleeping, being awake during night time, dissatisfaction with one's sleep, and waking up too early than intended. People who suffer from insomnia do not experience the refreshing feeling brought about by a good night's sleep. They usually just spend time in bed, playing with their pillows, reading a book, or tossing and turning around for hours trying to fall asleep.
People who suffer from insomnia may also be able to sleep easily at night but their sleep will be interrupted in the early hours of morning and they can no longer go back to sleep again. Other people may also experience a reversed version of this situation. They may tend to be sleepy during daytime and end up taking frequent naps every now and then. Frequent night walking can also be a manifestation. People who suffer from insomnia also experience drowsiness and mood swings during daytime.
Not getting enough sleep may also cause other difficulties to arise and come out as symptoms. Upon waking up, you may feel exhaustion which can last the entire day. Lack of sleep can also translate to loss of focus on tasks and decreased productivity. Levels of anxiety, depression and irritability also increases due to lack of sleep.
Because of these, insomnia can certainly get in the way of your day-to-day activities and routines. Insomnia can also cause death in some situations such as for drivers who might get into a vehicular accident or for older people who might fall from the stairs.
But if you still feel satisfied and refreshed with your sleep no matter how short you thought it was, you might not be suffering from insomnia and may just be a short sleeper instead The necessary amount of sleep may differ from one person to another. Sleeping for five to six hours may just be a normal sleeping pattern for some, although it falls short of the common amount of sleep necessary.
Some people have a lower physical need for sleep than the others such that they still get the right amount of sleep they need even though they just slept for a shorter span of time. If, despite your short sleep, your level of focus and productivity during the day is still at normal and you don't feel unnaturally exhausted or tired, then the amount of sleep you're getting is just right for you.