insomnia: the sleeping disorder

• Insomnia, or sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder in

which there is an inability to fall asleep or to stay

asleep as long as desired. Insomnia is most often

thought of as both a sign and a symptom that can

accompany several sleep, medical, and psychiatric

disorders characterized by a persistent difficulty

falling asleep and/or staying asleep or sleep of poor

quality. Insomnia is typically followed by functional

impairment while awake.

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Types of Insomnia

• There are two types of insomnia: primary insomnia and

secondary insomnia.

• Primary Insomnia: Primary insomnia means that a person is

having sleep problems that are not directly associated with any

other health condition or problem.

• Secondary Insomnia: Secondary insomnia means that a

person is having sleep problems because of something else,

such as a health condition (like asthma,

depression, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn); pain; medication

they are taking; or a substance they are using (like alcohol).


Effects of Insomnia

Lower performance on the job or at school

Slowed reaction time while driving and higher risk of

accidents

Psychiatric problems, such as depression or an anxiety

disorder

Overweight or obesity

Poor immune system function

Increased risk and severity of long-term diseases, such as high

blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes


Risk Factors

You're a woman

You're over age 60

You have a mental health disorder

You're under a lot of stress

You work night or changing shifts

You travel long distances


Causes of Insomnia

Stress

Depression

Medications

Poor Sleeping Habits

Caffeine, Nicotine and Alcohol

Change in Environment or Work Schedule


Stress

• Concerns about work,

school, health or family

can keep your mind

active at night, making

it difficult to sleep.

Stressful life events,

such as the death or

illness of a loved one,

divorce or a job loss,

may lead to insomnia.


Depression

• You might either sleep too

much or have trouble

sleeping if you're depressed.

This may be due to chemical

imbalances in your brain or

because worries that

accompany depression may

keep you from relaxing

enough to fall asleep.

Insomnia often accompanies

other mental health

disorders as well.


Medications

• Many prescription drugs can

interfere with sleep, including

some antidepressants, heart and

blood pressure medications,

allergy medications, stimulants

(such as Ritalin) and

corticosteroids. Many over-the-

counter (OTC) medications,

including some pain medication

combinations, decongestants and

weight-loss products, contain

caffeine and other stimulants.


Precautions to Avoid Insomnia

Use your bed and bedroom only for sleeping or sex

Stick to a sleep schedule

Get out of bed when you're not sleeping

Find ways to relax

Avoid or limit naps

Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol and nicotine

Exercise and stay active


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insomnia: the sleeping disorder

Health & Medicine