Insomnia
What is it?
Insomnia is the inability to fall or stay
asleep. It can be a long-term or short-term
problem that is caused by many conditions,
diseases or circumstances. Short-term or transient
insomnia is a common occurrence and usually lasts
only a few days. Long-term or chronic insomnia
lasts more than three weeks and increases the risk
for injuries in the home, at the workplace and
while driving because of daytime sleepiness and
decreased concentration.
Who gets it?
Insomnia affects one in every three adults each
year in the United States. It is more common in
women and older adults, people who are divorced,
widowed, separated or have a lower
social-economical status.
What causes it?
About half of all insomnia cases are caused by
psychological or emotional problems. Acute stress,
depression, anxiety and other behavior-related
problems are common psychological causes.
Underlying medical conditions such as sleep apnea
or hyperthyroidism can also cause insomnia, as can
pain and discomfort caused by arthritis or
congestive heart failure. The use of caffeine or
other stimulants, alcohol or other depressants,
sedatives, poor sleep habits or a change in sleep
patterns, and eating or working before sleeping
can all cause sleep problems. Rarely, periodic
jerky leg movements (nocturnal myoclonus), which
happen just as the individual is falling asleep
can cause insomnia.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of insomnia include trouble falling
asleep, waking often, waking early and not being
able to fall back asleep, not feeling rested in
the morning or feeling tired during the day.
Sometimes sleep patterns are reversed and the
individual has difficulty staying awake during the
day and takes frequent naps. Sleep at night is
restless and frequently interrupted.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose insomnia, the doctor may ask the
patient about sleep patterns, medical and
psychiatric history, use of medications, eating
habits, and mental and physical condition. The
doctor may also ask other family members about the
patient’s sleep habits. A physical exam and a
blood sample may be taken for lab tests.
The doctor may suggest that the patient sleep
overnight in a sleep center so that continuous,
all-night recordings of your breathing, eye
movements, muscle tone, blood oxygen levels, heart
rate and rhythm, and brain waves during sleep may
be done.
What is the treatment?
Treatment of insomnia may involve treatment of
the underlying medical disorder, if any are
detected during diagnosis. The doctor may
recommend relaxation techniques, changes in diet
and exercise, and a regular sleep routine. The
doctor may also recommend the patient go to bed
only when sleepy and use the bedroom only for
sleep. Patients may want to set an alarm to wake
up at the same time everyday, and avoid napping
during the day to develop a healthy sleep routine.
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to
help the patient sleep. Medications given for
insomnia include sedatives, tranquilizers, and
antianxiety drugs. Counseling may be recommended
to help resolve psychological problems.
Self-care tips
To prevent insomnia, make sure to get enough
rest and exercise in conjunction with stress
management, regular physical examinations, and
follow a healthy diet. Those diagnosed with
insomnia may want to avoid alcohol and caffeine.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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