ABSTRACT – Insomnia is a sleep disorder where a person finds it difficult to fall asleep or to stay...
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. People with disease have one or more of the following symptoms:
Difficulty falling asleep
Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
Waking up too early in the morning
Feeling tired upon waking
Types of Insomnia
There are two types: primary and secondary.
Primary: Primary means that a person is having sleep problems that are not directly associated with any other health condition or problem.
Secondary : Secondary means that a person is having sleep problems because of something else, such as a health condition (like asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn); pain; medication they are taking; or a substance they are using (like alcohol).
Acute vs. Chronic
It also varies in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. It can be short-term (acute) or can last a long time (chronic). It can also come and go, with periods of time when a person has no sleep problems. Acute can last from one night to a few weeks. It is called chronic when a person has insomnia at least three nights a week for three months or longer.
Causes:
Causes of acute can include:
Significant life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving)
Illness
Emotional or physical discomfort
Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep
Some medications (for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma) may interfere with sleep
Interferences in normal sleep schedule (jet lag or switching from a day to night shift, for example)
Causes of chronic include:
Depression and/or anxiety
Chronic stress
Pain or discomfort at night
Symptoms:
Symptoms of insomnia can include:
Sleepiness during the day
General tiredness
Irritability
Problems with concentration or memory
Diagnosing Insomnia
If you think you have insomnia, talk to your health care provider. An evaluation may include a physical exam, a medical history, and a sleep history. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, keeping track of your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day. Your health care provider may want to interview your bed partner about the quantity and quality of your sleep. In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center for special tests.
Treatment for Insomnia
Acute insomnia may not require treatment. Mild insomnia often can be prevented or cured by practicing good sleep habits (see below). If your insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day because you are sleepy and tired, your health care provider may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time. Rapid onset, short-acting drugs can help you avoid effects such as drowsiness the following day. Avoid using over-the-counter sleeping pills for insomnia, because they may have undesired side effects and tend to lose their effectiveness over time.
Treatment for chronic insomnia includes first treating any underlying conditions or health problems that are causing the insomnia. If insomnia continues, your health care provider may suggest behavioral therapy. Behavioral approaches help you to change behaviors that may worsen insomnia and to learn new behaviors to promote sleep. Techniques such as relaxation exercises, sleep restriction therapy, and reconditioning may be useful.
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