Do You Suffer From Insomnia?

By Yash Pal Mehndiratta, MD, DABSM

Sleep Services of Maryland

. http://www.sleepservicesmd.com/

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Do You Suffer From Insomnia?

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

Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing). Acute insomnia is common and often is brought on by situations such as stress at work, family pressures, or a traumatic event. Acute insomnia lasts for days or weeks.

Chronic insomnia lasts for a month or longer. Most cases of chronic insomnia are secondary, which means they are the symptom or side effect of some other problem. Certain medical conditions, medicines, sleep disorders, and substances can cause secondary insomnia.

In contrast, primary insomnia isn't due to medical problems, medicines, or other substances. It is its own distinct disorder, and its cause isn't well understood. Many life changes can trigger primary insomnia, including long-lasting stress and emotional upset.

Insomnia affects women more often than men. The disorder can occur at any age. However, older adults are more likely to have insomnia than younger people.

People who might be at increased risk for insomnia include those who

Are depressed or have other emotional distress, such as divorce or death of a spouse.

Work at night or have frequent major shifts in their work hours.

Travel long distances with time changes.

Have certain medical conditions or sleep disorders that can disrupt sleep.

Have an inactive lifestyle.

What Are the Signs and

Symptoms of Insomnia?

The main symptom of insomnia is trouble falling or staying asleep, which leads to lack of sleep. If you have insomnia, you may

Lie awake for a long time before you fall asleep

Sleep for only short periods

Be awake for much of the night

Feel as if you haven't slept at all

Wake up too early

The lack of sleep can cause other symptoms. You may wake up feeling tired or not well-rested, and you may feel tired during the day. You also may have trouble focusing on tasks. Insomnia can cause you to feel anxious, depressed, or irritable.

Insomnia also can affect your daily activities and cause serious problems. For example, you may feel drowsy while driving. Driver sleepiness (not related to alcohol) is responsible for almost 20% of all serious car crash injuries. Research also shows that insomnia raises older women's risk of falling.

If insomnia is affecting your daily activities, talk with your doctor. Treatment may help you avoid symptoms and problems related to the disorder. Also, poor sleep may be a sign of other health problems. Finding and treating those problems could improve your overall health and sleep.

Sleep Study

Your doctor may recommend a sleep study called a polysomnogram (PSG) if he or she thinks an underlying sleep disorder is causing your insomnia.

You'll likely stay overnight at a sleep center for this study. The PSG records brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, and blood pressure.

A PSG also records the amount of oxygen in your blood, air flow, snoring, and chest movements. The chest movements show whether you're making an effort to breathe.