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Insomnia Overview

Insomnia refers to a difficulty with falling asleep or remaining asleep. Most people have trouble with their sleep once in a while, but you may have insomnia if you have at least three of the following symptoms on three or more nights a week:

  • you have a hard time getting to sleep;
  • you fall asleep quickly but cannot stay asleep;
  • you wake up too early in the morning;
  • you have poor-quality sleep and don’t feel rested when you wake up.

 

Causes of Insomnia

There are many causes of insomnia, including major life events, daily stresses, a change in familiar routines or sleep schedules, jet lag or shift work. Acute insomnia that is associated with a readily identifiable stressor usually goes away when the cause disappears. However, some people develop poor bedtime habits or worry too much about sleeping, and their insomnia may continue.

Insomnia that lasts for more than a month is called “chronic insomnia”. Chronic insomnia can also be caused by many different types of medical and psychiatric problems as well as medications and other substances, such as caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and recreational drugs.

 

Effects of Insomnia

When sleep is disturbed, as with insomnia, people do not function as well the next day and are more likely to have accidents at home, at work or when driving. Not getting enough sleep may also make it more difficult to treat other illnesses.

 

Insomnia Treatment

Insomnia is a medical problem that can be treated. Tell your doctor if you think you have insomnia. He or she can help you or refer you to a specialist in sleep medicine. The doctor or nurse might instruct you on good bedtime habits and recommend ways to change your routines and attitudes to encourage good sleep. These methods are very effective and improve sleep significantly, but they may take several weeks to take effect. The doctor or nurse may also prescribe medications, which work right away, but the insomnia often comes back when the medication is stopped.

Many people try to treat their own sleep disturbances with over-the-counter sleep agents, herbs, and herbal preparations, but there is little or no good evidence of their effectiveness for insomnia.

 

Learn about the National Jewish Health Sleep Center.

 

This information has been approved by Teofilo Lee-Chiong, MD (May 2008).

Note: This information is provided to you as an educational service of National Jewish Health. It is not meant to be a substitute for consulting with your own physician.

© Copyright 2008 National Jewish Health