When considering disorders that affect sleep, insomnia is likely what comes to the forefront of most people\u2019s minds. While most people are aware of insomnia, there are still misconceptions of what insomnia is, what causes insomnia and how to treat it<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which people have trouble falling or staying asleep. Individuals with insomnia may also wake up too early in the morning and be unable to fall back to sleep. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) sleep problems associated with insomnia occur at least three nights each week and persist for at least three months<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When considering disorders that affect sleep, insomnia is likely what comes to the forefront of most people\u2019s minds. While most people are aware of insomnia, there are still misconceptions of what insomnia is, what causes insomnia and how to treat it. Insomnia consists of one or more of the following symptoms: trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep and daytime sleepiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insomnia can be an isolated condition or as a result of something else. Primary insomnia lasts for a month or more and is a result of external stressors in a person\u2019s life. Secondary insomnia is a symptom or side effect of another health condition such as depression, asthma, menopause or sleep apnea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, the National Sleep Foundation<\/a> has identified five types of insomnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insomnia may affect all area of a person\u2019s life. Symptoms of insomnia include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insomnia may be a symptom of other disorders. When looking at insomnia as the disorder, it may be difficult to tease out what are the symptoms of insomnia versus what the symptoms of other disorders are. Insomnia symptoms include the characteristic features of difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep and daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms of insomnia include waking excessively early, not feeling rested after sleeping, having low energy, mental confusion or difficulty concentrating and irritability. Insomnia may affect all area of a person\u2019s life due to a lowered threshold for frustration tolerance and increased irritability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insomnia may result from medical, mental health or behavioral difficulties. Common causes of insomnia include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical insomnia causes include disorders such as acid reflux, which may flare up when laying down to sleep, or disorders that cause pain such as arthritis. Mental health causes of insomnia include disorders such as depression and anxiety. Most cases of insomnia caused by a person\u2019s behaviors are unintentional, and increasing knowledge of what causes insomnia may help resolve it. Some common behaviors that prevent restful sleep include taking naps, attempting to recover from sleepless nights by sleeping in the following day, working night or rotating shifts and using electronics up until bedtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the DSM-5, the criteria for insomnia disorder include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A doctor may check for signs and symptoms of insomnia to rule out other causes of sleeplessness and ensure an accurate insomnia diagnosis. There is no definitive insomnia test but instead a battery of tests to rule out other disorders and focus on the warning signs of insomnia. A doctor may conduct blood tests, perform a sleep study or request a patient to fill out sleep logs and inventories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At some point in life, nearly everyone will experience at least acute insomnia. Occasional bouts of difficulty sleeping are normal in response to highly stressful and even exciting occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone can experience insomnia in his or her lifetime. People diagnosed with a mood disorder or with a chronic medical condition may be at higher risk of developing chronic insomnia. Stressful life events such as divorce or death of a loved one may lead to the development of acute cases of insomnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Millions of people struggle with insomnia. Statistics indicate that insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, with 30% of adults experiencing short-term insomnia and The American Academy of Sleep Medicine<\/a> has found that chronic insomnia affects as many as ten percent of adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While most people experience insomnia at some point, only approximately five percent turn to prescription sleep aids<\/a>. A patient should carefully consider this medication because it can cause dependence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, insomnia can co-occur with addiction<\/a>. If you or a loved one is struggling with co-occurring insomnia and substance use disorder, The Recovery Village can help. Reach out<\/a> to a representative today for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nSymptoms of Insomnia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Causes Insomnia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Is Insomnia Diagnosed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who is at Risk for Insomnia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Insomnia Statistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n