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.