Insomnia
•Last Updated: October 13, 2024
Insomnia is a common sleep condition which involves trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. The resulting insufficient or poor-quality sleep can lead to worsened quality of life and functional impairments.
Insomnia falls under theSleepcategory.
Last Updated:October 13, 2024
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by low-quality or insufficient sleep due to difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep, in the short term or long term. It affects 10% to 15% of the general population, and the prevalence is higher in women during and after menopause and in older adults, 50% of whom report sleep disturbances.
Main symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, short sleep duration, staying awake during the night, feeling unrefreshed after sleep, and waking up too early.
Insomnia is diagnosed by a healthcare provider through a detailed medical history and physical exam to rule out other conditions; this exam may include sleep studies. Insomnia is considered "chronic" if sleep issues occur at least 3 nights per week for a minimum of 3 months.
Medical treatments for insomnia include orexin receptor antagonists, nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics, certain benzodiazepines, melatonin agonists, and specific antidepressants. These treatments are effective for improving sleep onset, sleep maintenance, or both.
Several supplements — including melatonin, valerian root, kava-kava, chamomile, and lavender — have been studied for their sedating effects and ability to promote relaxation and sleep in short-term insomnia. Research on supplements for chronic insomnia is lacking.
Diet can affect insomnia through sleep hygiene practices, such as avoiding heavy meals, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake close to bedtime, and maintaining a healthy, nutrient-rich diet that is high in fruits and vegetables.
For short-term insomnia, sleep hygiene techniques are recommended, but they should not be used alone for chronic (long-term) insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for chronic insomnia, especially when it is combined with other treatments, like sleep restriction and relaxation therapy.
Insomnia can be caused by several factors, including work stress, relationship issues, traumatic events, medical conditions, medications, and substances like caffeine and alcohol. When it occurs without an identifiable cause, it is referred to as primary insomnia.
Research FeedRead all studies
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