Insomnia is a common sleep problem that can affect your quality of life. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
It is a very common symptom of depression, with an estimated 80% of depression sufferers reporting trouble sleeping. Those with depression have different sleep patterns, spending an unusual amount of time in dream sleep (REM sleep).
There is difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep in insomnia, and the insomnia might be short-term or chronic. Short-term insomnia is most often related to anxiety, for example anticipation of a serious life change, and usually resolves when anxiety lessens.
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, with estimates of the prevalence varying from 1-10% and up to 25% in the elderly. Insomnia can be a symptom, meaning that it is secondary to another physical or mental disorder, e.g., depression.
Insomnolence or insomnia is more common among women (especially after menopause) and the elderly. About half of people over age 65 have frequent sleep problems. Insomnia is the most commonly diagnosed sleep disorder. Approximately one out of three Americans reports having disturbed sleep and chronic insomnia affects 10% – 15% of the population.
Changes in working conditions, such as shifting schedules, also cause short-term insomnia. Also, people who tend to overwork get less sleep than the average. Changes in life’s expectations or demands may lead to stress. Changes in marriage or other relationships, work, financial difficulties, or family obligations also may increase stress.
Insomnia is considered chronic if it occurs on most nights and lasts a month or more. Insomnia is a common complaint during pre-menopausal. This insomnia often takes the form of an inability to sleep through the night.
Insomnia treatment should focus on the cause and a thorough workup by a sleep expert is important to diagnose the cause. People may have sleep disruptions due to sleep apnea or periodic limb movements. Treatment is needed if sleepiness interferes with functioning or if it continues for more than a few weeks. Individual responses to stress vary and some people may not experience insomnia at all, even during very stressful situations while others may suffer from insomnia in response to very mild stressors.
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