TODAY -

From the diary of an insomniac - II

Samarjit Kambam *



This piece is dedicated to all the insomniacs of the world. Myself, who was once an insomniac for a pretty long duration can feel the vibration of the pain and sufferings faced by the insomniacs. Insomniacs live in a world of dystopia. He carries with himincoherentness,feeling of impairment,fatigue,irritation, attention deficit, stress, poor immune system, loss of appetite and a host of negative state of mind and body which are highly detrimental to the health and well-being of a person.

Nobody wants to be an insomniac. As long as you are a person who sleep normally, the term ‘insomnia’ may seem dull and apathetic to you. You’ll have the notion that going to sleep is so simple.But to those suffering from insomnia, going to sleep is a herculean task, like trying to see the dark side of the moon. To him, a sound sleep becomes the most expensive thing in the world, a state which is of paramount value than anything else in the world.

The reasons for insomnia may vary viz, heredity, after effect of substance and drug abuse, endocrine problems such as hyperthyroidism, lack of physical activity, depression, unhealthy lifestyle and other biological factors.

So far, there’s no medicationfor insomnia. Course, there are prescription and over the counter drugs which come in the form of sleeping pills that induce sleep but are not the panacea for insomnia. Besides, sleeping pills are not sustainable in the long run.

There’s a light year’s difference between natural sleep and induced sleep. As induced sleep is forcefully triggered by the chemicals of the drug, one gets habituated to the sleeping pills. One will get to sleep as long as he consumes it but will be back to square one once he stops taking it even heightening the intensity of insomnia in the long term.

In fact, a long term user of sleeping pills gets addicted to sedatives due to physical dependency thereby posing a great threat to the health with its side effects which may come in many forms.Some of them have potentially harmful side effects and can even be life threatening if misused.

So sedatives are usually prescribed by doctors for short durations. The only alternative is cognitive behavioural therapy. However, everybody hasn’t got the privilege to be attended by a cognitive behavioural therapist. A person living in a remote area may not have access to such a therapist. Even if a person is accessible to such a therapist, there may be constraints of time. That’s the reason why people having trouble with sleeping usually pop sleeping pills as it is more convenient and time saving.

After thoroughly hobnobbing with insomnia for a long time I have decided to share my experiences on how to curtail it; at least upto a certain degree. I have jotted down some tips below which I hope may be of help even though it is a miniscule one to all those insomniacs out there:-

1) Thyroid Function Test should be an obligation for the insomniacs. Though rare, if one has hyperthyroidism there will hardly be any preferred choices left to fight insomnia other than taking the medication as prescribed by the doctor.

2) Fiddling with smartphone, laptop, PC and watching TV before going to bed should be avoided at all cost by one having trouble going to sleep as the sensory organs are hard-pressed as we get stranded in front of such electronic items. The situation only worsens as one keeps on engaging with them and sleeping gets allthe more dearer.

3) Have a regular bedtime routine andgoing to bed early preferably before 10 p.m. by switching off all devices and keeping your room as dark as a black hole is a healthy practice in the fight against insomnia.

4) Eat a well-balanced meal no less than 2 hours before bedtime. Avoid coffee, cigarettes and other tobacco products prior to going to bed as they contain caffeine and nicotine which will keep you in an induced state of alertness thereby robbing you of your sleep.

5) Everybody skirmishes with stress, tension, anxiety and depression in this hectic world, however, trying to suppress or avoid them as much as possible comes as a handy tool for the insomniacs. If under long term depression, consulting a physicianand taking the prescribed anti-depressant for short term with tapering dose is usually considered a feasible solution.

6) Taking a warm bath before going to bed gives a soothing feel to the body and acts as catalyst in going to sleep faster.Taking a warm glass of milk before going to bed also helps upto a certain extent.

7) Nowadays, meditation is considered a cliché in warding off stress and tension and attaining a relaxed, rejuvenated, calm and composed mind. But the more we try to meditate, the more our mind delves into uncontrolled haywire thoughts. For those of us who find meditation a jumbo task, simply lying on the bed and taking long deep breaths for a few minutes comes as a handy tool in going to a slumber quicker because it is easier to ward off random and unwanted thoughts while taking deep breaths.

8) Stiffness of the body acts as a hurdle when trying to go to sleep. While lying on the bed, keeping the whole body completely relaxed with the perception that our body is sucked in the bed like a piece of iron rod being pulled by a big magnet also acts as a sleep booster.If you have the opportunity, getting your body a gentle massage by someone will keep your body muscles relaxed which helps a lot in getting to sleep. Sprinklinga few drops of lavender oil on the pillow and relishing its smell further heightens sleep.

9) Sedentary work involving sitting in front of a PC or a laptop for the whole day combined with unhealthy lifestyle such as eating unhealthy food, misusing of drugs, substance abuse and lack of physical activity paves the path to sleepless nights and sows the seed to becoming an insomniac. Holding tight to a schedule of physical exercise in the morning such as jogging, free hand exercises involving push-ups for at least 30 minutes daily or 5 to 6 times a week is the holy-grail to fight insomnia.

Practicing yoga which is considered as a dull kind of exercise carried out by the snobbish kind turns out to be unbelievably good in battling insomnia.However, carrying out physical exercises in the evening be best avoided as one remains active throughoutthe night resulting in wakefulness.

10) Changing the mind-set by deciding to start treating night-time sleep as something to look forward to and revel in rather than dread makes a world of difference.

Wishing you guys a sound sleep every night.


* Samarjit Kambam wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer can be reached at kambamsamarjit0(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was webcasted on January 02, 2019.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025