Insomnia

Overview

Insomnia is defined as repeated obscurity with sleep initiation, maintenance, consolidation, or quality that occurs despite adequate time and which consequently causes some form of daytime disability. Insomnia commonly has unknown etiology, although it may be associated with other systemic conditions or drugs.

Signs and Symptoms

Difficulty falling asleep at night, Waking up during the night, Early morning waking, Not feeling well-rested after a night's sleep, Daytime tiredness or sleepiness, Irritability, Depression or anxiety, Difficulty paying attention, Increased errors or accidents, Ongoing worries about sleep

Common Causes

Stress, Travel or work that affects circadian cycle, Poor sleep habits, Late dinner meals, Caffeine intake, Medical conditions: chronic pain, asthma, cancer, Lack of physical activity

Risk Factors

Female, Age more than 60, No regular shifts at work

Investigation Techniques

Physical examination, Sleep study

Treatment and Prevention

Cognitive behavioral therapy: stimulus control therapy, relaxation therapy, sleep restriction, light therapy, Stick strictly to sleep schedule, Medications: Eszopiclone (Lunesta), Ramelteon (Rozerem), Zaleplon (Sonata), Zolpidem

Psychological Issues

Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Post traumatic stress disorder