Insomnia: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
Steven A. King, M.D.
- Insomnia is the inability to sleep for a reasonable amount of
time to maintain adequate restfulness.
- Insomnia is not defined by the total number of hours
slept.
- Most adults require seven to eight hours of sleep a night, but
some only need four or five.
- According to the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research,
about 30 to 40 percent of adults experience insomnia in a given
year.
- About 10 to 15 percent of adults experience insomnia that is
chronic or severe.
- Insomnia is more common among women, especially after
menopause, and the elderly.
- About half of people over age 65 have frequent sleep
problems.
- Many factors can cause insomnia, including lifestyle factors,
medical conditions (including other sleep disorders), psychiatric
conditions and medications.
- Insomnia can precipitate medical and psychiatric disorders
including diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
- Symptoms of insomnia may include difficulty falling asleep,
waking up frequently during the night, daytime drowsiness and
irritability.
- People with suspected insomnia may be asked to keep a sleep
diary to document sleep patterns and behaviors.
- In some cases, people with insomnia may be referred to a sleep
center where sleep is analyzed by sleep disorder
professionals.
- Several approaches may be used to treat insomnia, depending on
its cause.
- Lifestyle changes, such as increased exercise or elimination of
alcohol or caffeine, may help improve insomnia.
- Medications may also be prescribed to treat insomnia, although
they are not a long-term solution.
- Some forms of therapy, such as relaxation therapy, may help
some people with insomnia.
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