Insomnia:
- Definition:
- Symptoms:
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Inability to fall back asleep
- Feeling tired or unrefreshed upon waking
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Increased errors or accidents
- Tension headaches or gastrointestinal problems
- Causes:
- Stress or emotional discomfort
- Anxiety or depression
- Medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain, asthma, sleep apnea)
- Use of certain medications or substances (e.g., caffeine, nicotine, alcohol)
- Disruptions in sleep schedule (e.g., jet lag, shift work)
- Treatment:
- Identifying and addressing underlying causes
- Developing healthy sleep habits and a consistent routine
- Implementing relaxation techniques before bedtime
- Avoiding stimulating substances or activities close to bedtime
- In some cases, medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be prescribed
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in inadequate or poor-quality sleep. It is often associated with daytime fatigue, irritability, and impaired functioning.
Common symptoms of insomnia include:
Insomnia can be caused by various factors, such as:
Treating insomnia typically involves: