Studies have shown that a third of Americans struggle with at least one serious case of insomnia each year. Ten to 15 percent of American adults have chronic insomnia. Insomnia is more common in older adults, although more and more young people are finding it difficult to get a good night's rest. Continually not getting enough quality sleep can result in poor memory, morning headaches, and irritability. However, insomnia can have much more severe consequences as well.
Healthcare providers diagnose two general types of insomnia.
Primary insomnia is a chronic condition with little apparent association with stress or a medical problem. The most common form of primary insomnia is pyschophysiological insomnia. Secondary insomnia is caused by symptoms that accompany a medical condition such as anxiety, depression, or pain. Healthcare providers further classify insomnia according to how long it occurs. Transient insomnia lasts for a few days to a few weeks, and transient insomnia that comes and goes is called intermittent insomnia .