Insomnia is very common and occurs in 30% to 50% of the general population. Approximately 10% of the population may suffer from chronic (long-standing) insomnia.
Insomnia affects people of all ages including children, although it is more common in adults and its frequency increases with age. In general, women are affected more frequently than men.
Insomnia may be divided into three classes based on the duration of symptoms:
- Insomnia lasting one week or less may be termed transient insomnia
- Short-term insomnia lasts more than one week but resolves in less than three weeks; and
- Long-term or chronic insomnia lasts more than three weeks.
What Causes Insomnia ?
If you've been counting sheep till the wee hours of the morning quite regularly, you're a victim of insomnia. This condition can not only make you dread the night, but also disturb your normal flow of life. And it's common enough to afflict around 3.5 million people in the US alone!
There are some known causes of insomnia, like chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, nocturnal disturbances, too much coffee, and the like. But, today, mental stress is one of the main culprits for this problem. Worries and tensions keep the mind engaged at night, keeping you wide awake. If you're stressed only for a few times, you can cope with sleeplessness. But, if you're a chronic worrier, chances are you're an insomniac too.
Insomnia may have many causes and, as described earlier, it can be classified based upon the underlying cause.
Situational and stress factors leading to insomnia may include:
What are the Symptoms of Insomnia ?
Insomnia Occurs Due to Following symptoms:
Impairment of daytime functioning is the defining and the most common symptom of insomnia.
Other common symptoms include:
There are some known causes of insomnia, like chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, nocturnal disturbances, too much coffee, and the like. But, today, mental stress is one of the main culprits for this problem. Worries and tensions keep the mind engaged at night, keeping you wide awake. If you're stressed only for a few times, you can cope with sleeplessness. But, if you're a chronic worrier, chances are you're an insomniac too.
Insomnia may have many causes and, as described earlier, it can be classified based upon the underlying cause.
Situational and stress factors leading to insomnia may include:
- Jet lag
- Physical discomfort (hot, cold, lighting, noise, unfamiliar surroundings)
- Working different shifts
- Stressful life situations (divorce or separation, death of a loved one, losing a job, preparing for an examination)
- Illicit drug use
- Cigarette smoking
- Caffeine intake prior to going to bed
- Alcohol intoxication or withdrawal, or
- Certain medications.
What are the Symptoms of Insomnia ?
Insomnia Occurs Due to Following symptoms:
Impairment of daytime functioning is the defining and the most common symptom of insomnia.
Other common symptoms include:
- Daytime Fatigue
- Daytime sleepiness
- Mood changes
- Poor attention and concentration
- Lack of energy
- Anxiety
- Poor social function
- Headaches, and
- Increased errors and mistakes.
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