A sleeping disorder characterized by the inability to fall asleep and/or the inability to remain asleep for a reasonable amount of time.
A dyssomnia consisting of difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or of nonrestorative sleep (i.e., sleep is adequate in amount but unrefreshing) associated with daytime fatigue or impaired daytime functioning. The insomnia is called primary if it is not related to another mental disorder, not substance induced, and not due to a general medical condition.
Inability to fall asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and/or early morning awakening.
The inability to sleep in the elderly is frequently a manifestation of depression. Often, is treated with hypnotic drugs.
Condition characterized by difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep or by seriously disturbed sleep (e.g., frequent short awakenings). It may result from a variety of psychological and physical causes; treatment depends on the cause and condition of the person.
Difficulty getting to sleep or remaining asleep. Insomnia is a very common problem that can be short and self- limiting or may persist for years. Its causes range from stress and depression to physical pain (such as the chronic discomfort of arthritis) and sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, waking abnormally early in the morning and being unable to return to sleep, feeling tired during the day, and feeling restless and anxious as bedtime approaches. It is important to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of insomnia. In some cases, sleeping pills are helpful, although they should be used on a temporary basis only. Regular use can make a person dependent on sleeping pills. Good sleep hygiene is the best way to cope with insomnia. This means getting up at a regular time every morning, even on weekends; trying not to nap during the day; avoiding caffeine, alcoholic beverages, nicotine, and strenuous exercise for 4 to 6 hours before bedtime; avoiding heavy meals before retiring; and minimizing noise, light, and extreme temperatures in the bedroom. If sleeplessness persists, professional help should be sought.
Inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep for an adequate length of time, so that tiredness is virtually permanent. Insomnia may be associated with disease, particularly if there are painful symptoms, but is more often caused by worry.
The subjective experience of insufficient sleep or of sleep that is not refreshing.
A disruption in the amount and quality of sleep that impairs functioning. This diagnosis was previously titled “disturbed sleep pattern.”
the chronic inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep for an adequate amount of time.
An inability to sleep even if one is physically exhausted.
A sleep disorder marked by difficulty in either initiating sleep or maintaining it is commonly referred to as insomnia.
A consistent difficulty in falling asleep or remaining asleep, resulting in pronounced fatigue.
The primary reason for insomnia is often stress, though physical symptoms like coughing or itching, and conditions like restless legs can also contribute. Environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and improper use of sleep medications are other frequent contributors. Additionally, insomnia can be an indicator of mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Discontinuing certain medications, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, sleep aids, and some illegal drugs, might lead to insomnia as well.
Individuals with insomnia should make sure they engage in adequate physical activity during the day and limit their consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Avoiding late-night meals and maintaining consistent sleep and wake schedules can also be beneficial.
Sleep medications should only be taken based on a doctor’s recommendation. Potential alternative treatments for insomnia encompass acupuncture and the use of lavender oil in aromatherapy.
Sleeplessness. Apart from pain or discomfort, insomnia may be produced by nervous excitement preventing the normal relaxation which enables sleep to develop, or by extensive daytime catnapping. The taking of purgatives at bedtime provokes wakefulness, and so do stimulating drinks such as coffee. Drinks like cocoa may dilate the kidneys, and the resulting urge to urinate will wake the patient; this also applies to a large intake of beer during the evening. In many cases of temporary insomnia sleeping pills are not required because much of the distress is more due to a feeling of self-pity than to the insomnia, and a hot drink or toddy at bedtime and a warm bed are all that is necessary to induce sleep. Insomnia may, however, be a significant symptom of a threatened nervous breakdown.