Insomnia

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.

**Insomnia** is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or cause someone to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. Episodes of insomnia may come and go or be long-lasting.

Not getting eight hours of sleep every night does not mean ones health is at risk. Different individuals have different sleep needs. Some individuals do fine on six hours of sleep a night, others only do well if they get 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night.

## Signs & Symptoms

* Difficulty falling asleep at night.
* Waking up during the night.
* Waking up too early.
* Not feeling well-rested after a night's sleep.
* Daytime tiredness or sleepiness.
* Irritability, depression or anxiety.
* Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering.
* Increased errors or accidents.
* Ongoing worries about sleep.

Individuals who have insomnia are sometimes consumed by the thought of getting enough sleep, but the more they try to sleep, the more frustrated and upset they get, and the harder sleep becomes.

Lack of restful sleep can:

* Make one tired and unfocused, making it hard to do daily activities.
* Put one at risk of auto accidents.

## Causes

Sleep habits learned as children may affect sleep behavior as adults. Poor sleep or lifestyle habits may cause insomnia or make it worse, including:

* Going to bed at a difficult time each night.
* Daytime napping.
* Poor sleeping environment.
* Spending too much time in bed while awake.
* Working evenings or night shifts.
* Not getting enough exercise.
* Using the television, computer, or a mobile device in bed.

The use of some medicines and drugs may also affect sleep, including:

* Alcohol or other drugs.
* Heavy smoking.
* Too much caffeine throughout the day or drinking caffeine late in the day.
* Getting used to certain types of sleep medicines.
* Some cold medicines and diet pills.
* Other medicines, herbs, or supplements.

Physical, social and mental health issues can affect sleep patterns, including:

* Bipolar disorder.
* Feeling sad or depressed.
* Stress and anxiety. For some individuals, the stress caused by insomnia makes it harder to fall asleep.

Health problems may also lead to problems sleeping and insomnia:

* Pregnancy.
* Physical pain or discomfort.
* Waking up at night to use the bathroom.
* Sleep apnea.

## Treatment

Treatment often begins by reviewing any medicines or health problems that may be causing or worsening insomnia, such as:

* Enlarged prostate glands.
* Pain or discomfort from muscle, joint or nerve disorders, such as arthritis or Parkinson disease.
* Other medical conditions, such as acid reflux, allergies, and thyroid problems.
* Mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety.

One should also think about lifestyle and sleep habits that may affect sleep. Making some changes to one's sleep habits may improve or solve the insomnia.

Some individuals may need medicines to help with sleep for a short period of time.

## Types of Insomnia

### Chronic Insomnia Disorder

Chronic insomnia is when an individual experiences sleeping difficulties and related daytime symptoms at least three days per week for more than three months or repeatedly over years.

### Short-Term Insomnia Disorder

Short-term insomnia disorder involves the same sleep difficulties and symptoms as chronic insomnia disorder, but those problems are experienced for less than three months and may not occur three times per week.

### Other Insomnia Disorder

In specific cases, someone may be diagnosed with other insomnia disorder if the individual has significant sleeping problems but does not meet all of the criteria for either chronic or short-term insomnia disorder.

## References

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000805.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355167

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia