Insomnia

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is the most common sleep problem affecting over 70 million Americans. Insomnia presents itself in different variations for different individuals. The most common types of insomnia are:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Difficulty staying asleep throughout the night
  • Waking too early in the morning
  • Waking up unrefreshed or with a misperception of sleep quality

Insomnia may last a few days (transient insomnia) or for several weeks or months (chronic insomnia). Chronic insomnia is considered to be more prevalent in women and individuals over the age of 65.

Transient or short term insomnia may be related to:

  • Poor sleep hygiene
  • Illness
  • Stress
  • Sleep environment
  • Extreme temperature
  • Jet lag or shift work
  • Medication side effects

The cause of chronic or long term insomnia may be related to a combination of the following:

  • Chronic stress
  • Depression
  • Chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
  • Shift work
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Medical condition such as kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or heart failure
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Another sleep disorder such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea

Daytime symptoms of insomnia include:

  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Anxiety
  • Impaired concentration
  • Impaired memory
  • Increased irritability

When should I seek medical attention for insomnia?

If you are experiencing persistent sleep disturbance for more than a month and are noticing a disruption to your daytime activities due to sleep loss you may want to discuss this with your physician or a sleep specialist. Insomnia is often a symptom of another underlying condition and treatment is determined after this condition has been identified.
For details about prescription sleep aides or over the counter sleep medications refer to your physician.

It may be helpful to keep track of your sleep patterns by keeping a sleep diary.

Click here for a printable sleep diary.

An overnight sleep study may be recommended if your physician suspects an underlying sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.

Treatment of Insomnia

In general, treatment of insomnia involves a combination of non-medical and medical elements. You will need to discuss your symptoms with your physician or a sleep specialist so that treatment can be tailored to your individual case.

Treatment of Transient or Short Term Insomnia:
Transient insomnia may not require treatment in all cases. If insomnia is related to a temporary change in your circadian rhythm (internal clock), like with jet lag or shift work ,your body will often get back to normal on its own.

Changes to lifestyle, sleep hygiene or sleeping environment may also improve periods of insomnia.

Click here for more information about good sleep hygiene

In most cases, periods of transient insomnia are resolved when the underlying cause is recognized. Most people seek medical attention if insomnia becomes a chronic condition.

Treatment of Chronic or Long Term Insomnia
Chronic insomnia is usually treated with a combination of psychological, medical and behavioral components. Once the cause of your chronic insomnia is known, your physician, or a sleep specialist, will be able to determine the best treatment option for you.

Non-Medical Treatments

Improve your sleep hygiene – Develop a pattern of healthy sleep by improving your sleep habits.

For more information please click here.

Exercise Regularly- Aim for a 20- to 30-minute routine three or four times a week. Exercise in the morning or afternoon, not close to bedtime.

Learn methods of relaxation that can help you take your mind off sleeping problems
Have a routine- Following a sleep schedule may help you reset your circadian rhythm (internal clock)
Seek the help of a therapist- You may want help from a therapist if you suspect stress or depression is the cause of your sleep problems

Medical Treatments
Sleep medications-talk to your physician about benefits and side effects of prescription or over the counter sleep aides. You may also want to talk to your physician about any medications you may be taking that could be contributing to insomnia symptoms.