Insomnia:

  1. Definition:
  2. 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.

  3. Symptoms:
  4. Common symptoms of insomnia include:

    • 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
  5. Causes:
  6. Insomnia can be caused by various factors, such as:

    • 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)
  7. Treatment:
  8. Treating insomnia typically involves:

    • 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