Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep (initial insomnia) or staying asleep (middle insomnia) or by early awakening with an inability to go back to sleep (terminal insomnia). A sleep disorder such as insomnia can lead to daytime drowsiness, reduced concentration, and a lack of feeling refreshed or rested upon awakening.
Insomnia is not considered a disease, but rather, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, or by other disturbances in sleep. Insomnia can lead to daytime drowsiness, reduced concentration, and lack of feeling refreshed or rested upon awakening. About 50% of adults experience occasional insomnia, and approximately 10% experience chronic (long-standing) insomnia. Insomnia that leads to significant daytime drowsiness that affects normal functioning (e.g., falling asleep while driving) should be brought to the attention of a physician.
There are several types of insomnia. Sleep-onset insomnia (also called initial insomnia) is characterized by difficulty falling asleep. Sleep-maintenance insomnia (middle insomnia) is characterized by difficulty remaining asleep throughout the night. Terminal insomnia involves early-morning awakening with an inability to fall back asleep.
Insomnia can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary insomnia, the more common type of insomnia, is not caused by other conditions. Instead, primary insomnia may be exacerbated by everyday anxiety or stress. People with primary insomnia are generally preoccupied with getting enough sleep. Secondary insomnia is caused by depression or other mental or physical illnesses, including treatment of these conditions with medications.
Older people may think they have insomnia when they are actually experiencing normal changes in sleep patterns associated with aging. As people age, the deep-sleep cycle becomes shorter. Older people sleep less at night, often nap during the day, and awaken more during all stages of sleep. These changes are usually normal in older people and do not always indicate a sleep disorder or insomnia.
In people with true insomnia, the sleep disorder can cause symptoms such as daytime fatigue, irritability, and problems concentrating. The treatment for insomnia depends on its cause and severity. If insomnia results from another disorder, treatment of that disorder may improve sleep. For most people who have insomnia, some simple changes in lifestyle, such as following a regular sleep schedule and improving sleep routines, can improve sleep. These lifestyle modifications are referred to as improving sleep hygiene.
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
