The spiral-shaped H. pylori can penetrate the stomach's protective mucous lining, thus making the stomach cells more susceptible to the damaging effects of acid and pepsin. It is also believed, although not entirely understood, that H. pylori can also stimulate acid production in the stomach. Men and those over 60 are most likely to develop stomach ulcers. Transient and intermittent insomnia fall under the acute insomnia category. Environmental disturbances such as noise, light, fluctuations in temperature, acute illness, and stress are contributing factors in acute insomnia.
Acute insomnia is defined as periods of sleep difficulty lasting between one night and a few weeks.
Chronic insomnia is defined as sleep difficulty at least three nights per week and lasting for one month or more. Women and the elderly are the most frequent victims of insomnia. Copyright 2001 American Chemical Society. All Rights Reserved.