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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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