[astradaemon]

[attachment=1:insomnia.jpg]

If you google hereditary insomnia, you are likely to stumble upon Fatal Familial Insomnia. FFI is a rare genetic disorder which prevents a person from EVER falling alseep again; the body breaks down, and dies…but that's not what I'm discussing here. I want to talk about whether a person is an insomniac because of a genetic condition or because they grew up with an insomniac in the family.

There are so many different types of insomnia, it's a challenge just to rule out any medical conditions that may be the cause. If your insomnia is caused by sleep apnea, for example, it's possible that any and all family members suffering from this disorder could also struggle with insomnia. In my case, my dad's insomnia is related to his sleep apnea, but my brother's sleep issues are a complication from his diabetes. I have neither sleep apnea or diabetes, but I have insomnia. However, in all three cases, our symptoms of insomnia are the same.

Is it genetic that our bodies respond to health problems with sleeplessness, or did my brother and I learn stressful responses from our dad which led to our insomnia? It's almost a chicken and egg situation. It's worse if you're still trying to establish which came first: the insomnia or the medical issue and/or stress? I've been an insomniac for so long, I can't remember if I was anxious in the first place, or if I'm more sensitive to stress because I'm lacking sleep…AND, I have to wonder if my insomnia is realted to any health issues, or am I having health issues from the stress of not sleeping?

It's no wonder there are people who think insomnia is all in our heads.

[IvanAleisterMesniaa]

'astradaemon' wrote on '05:

[attachment=1:insomnia.jpg]

If you google hereditary insomnia, you are likely to stumble upon Fatal Familial Insomnia. FFI is a rare genetic disorder which prevents a person from EVER falling alseep again; the body breaks down, and dies…but that's not what I'm discussing here. I want to talk about whether a person is an insomniac because of a genetic condition or because they grew up with an insomniac in the family.

There are so many different types of insomnia, it's a challenge just to rule out any medical conditions that may be the cause. If your insomnia is caused by sleep apnea, for example, it's possible that any and all family members suffering from this disorder could also struggle with insomnia. In my case, my dad's insomnia is related to his sleep apnea, but my brother's sleep issues are a complication from his diabetes. I have neither sleep apnea or diabetes, but I have insomnia. However, in all three cases, our symptoms of insomnia are the same.

Is it genetic that our bodies respond to health problems with sleeplessness, or did my brother and I learn stressful responses from our dad which led to our insomnia? It's almost a chicken and egg situation. It's worse if you're still trying to establish which came first: the insomnia or the medical issue and/or stress? I've been an insomniac for so long, I can't remember if I was anxious in the first place, or if I'm more sensitive to stress because I'm lacking sleep…AND, I have to wonder if my insomnia is realted to any health issues, or am I having health issues from the stress of not sleeping?

It's no wonder there are people who think insomnia is all in our heads.

Yeah I rememebr reading about this when I was going to become a doctor, I wanted to specialize in insomnia and Chronic regional pain syndrome, I decided not to, I still read lots of medical stuff.

Really awful thing, feel bad with anyone who has it.

[Martin Reed]

This is an absolutely fascinating discussion topic – I look forward to seeing this develop into a really interesting resource.

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If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.

The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

[primaryantagonist]

I think sleep patterns must be hereditary. My mother works overnights by preference and so does my uncle (he's in a band…). Both stay up all night as a matter of course and have picked jobs that fit in with this. Like me, they just don't make sense in the morning. My mum has severe anxiety and I think my uncle has an undiagnosed personality disorder. Not sure where that leaves me.

[Martin Reed]

DO you think it's hereditary in a physiological sense, or more a behavioural one; ie the child sees how the parent sleeps and mimics that behaviour?

—

If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.

The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

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