Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. If you have insomnia, you may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. As a result, you may get too little sleep or have poor-quality sleep. You may not feel refreshed when you wake up.

Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing).

• Acute insomnia may last for days or weeks.
• Chronic insomnia lasts for a month or longer and may be classified as either secondary or primary insomnia.

More women have insomnia than men. Insomnia can occur at any age; however, older adults are more likely to have insomnia than younger people.

Insomnia can cause daytime sleepiness and a lack of energy. It also can make you feel anxious, depressed, or irritable. You may have trouble focusing on tasks, paying attention, learning, and remembering.

Insomnia diagnosis will be based on your medical and sleep histories as well as a physical exam.

Treatment for insomnia may include lifestyle changes, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and medications.

Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing).

• Acute insomnia. Acute insomnia is often caused by stress at work, family pressures, or a traumatic event.
• Chronic insomnia.
• • Primary insomnia: Primary insomnia is not due to medical problems, medicines, or other substances (caffeine and stimulants). Primary insomnia is considered its own disorder, and its cause is not well understood. Primary insomnia can be caused by life changes such as long-lasting stress and emotional upset. Travel as well as work schedules that disrupt your sleep routine, may also lead to primary insomnia. Primary insomnia usually lasts for at least 1 month.
  • Secondary insomnia: Most cases of chronic insomnia are secondary, which means insomnia is a symptom or side effect of another problem such as certain medical conditions, medicines, sleep disorders, and substances (caffeine, stimulants).
    
    Many other disorders or factors also can cause secondary insomnia, such as:
  • • Conditions that cause ongoing pain (arthritis, headache disorders)
    • Conditions that make it hard to breathe (asthma and heart failure)
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Gastrointestinal disorders (heartburn)
    • Stroke
    • Restless legs syndrome and sleep-related breathing problems
    • Menopause and hot flashes
    • Medications such as theophylline, beta blockers, and some allergy and cold medicines
    • Substances such as caffeine and other stimulants, tobacco and other nicotine products, and alcohol

Physical, social, and mental health issues, such as depression, can affect your sleep patterns. In most cases, insomnia is the symptom that causes people with depression to seek medical help.

Talk with your doctor if trouble sleeping lasts more than a few weeks or affects your mood, work, or safety. A pharmacist can also review whether any medications are disrupting your sleep.