Insomnia

Symptoms of Insomnia

The symptoms of insomnia and related sleep problems seem obvious - no sleep, not enough sleep, or poor quality of sleep.

But as with most health problems, researchers in the field seek to break these symptoms down in order to better classify them, which can lead to an improved determination of the cause (diagnosis), treatment and prevention. When working together with your doctor towards a solution of your insomnia, it's always better to have more and accurate information.

These symptoms of insomnia can include:

• Lying awake in bed for a long time before getting to sleep.
• Waking up several times in the middle of the night.
• Waking up early in the morning (and not being able to get back to sleep).
• Feeling tired and not refreshed by sleep.
• Inability to function properly during the day, especially having difficulty concentrating.
• Irritability due to lack of sleep.

"Insomnia may cause a reduced energy level, irritability, disorientation, dark circles under the eyes, posture changes, and fatigue." (3)

Types of Insomnia:

When sleep problems occur for more then two or three days in a row, one of three types of insomnia may be the diagnosed. According to the American Insomnia Association, insomnia is divided into 3 main types which is determined by the duration of when the sleeping problems first began.(2)

1. Transient insomnia: Sleeping problems less then 4 weeks.
2. Short-term insomnia: Sleeping problems 4 weeks to 6 months.
3. Chronic insomnia: Sleeping problems longer then 6 months.

Transient insomnia may be the result of short term stress or excitement such as an impending exam, business meeting, social event, scheduled surgery, or a big vacation. When the event which causes the stress or excitement passes, the individual's sleeping pattern may return to normal.

Short-term insomnia is usually the result of ongoing stress at work or home, or a significant life event such as divorce, death of a loved one, or losing a job. However, a medical condition or psychological problems may also cause short term insomnia.

Chronic insomnia is a condition that affects more then 10 percent of the population and it's causes may be varied, ranging from physiological, psychological, lifestyle and environmental factors listed on the next page.

Insomnia is sometimes misspelled as insomia.

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