Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep complaints. It is where a person has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or does not feel rested or refreshed when they wake up.

Insomnia may have multiple causes and the symptoms and severity vary from one person to another. The condition may cause you to awaken feeling unrefreshed, have problems with energy levels, concentration and mood during the day.

There are two types: acute, which is more common and lasts for a short time, and chronic which lasts for more than three weeks. Insomnia negatively impacts every aspect of a persons life and can result in high blood pressure, diabetes, impaired decision making, decreased immunity, poor work performance and overall diminished quality of life.

Without treatment from a board certified sleep medicine physician patients suffering from chronic insomnia can develop serious physical and mental health conditions.

Insomnia is more common in older adults, women, people under stress and people with certain medical and mental health problems such as depression.

What causes insomnia?

The cause varies from person to person, however, in some cases insomnia is linked to other sleep conditions such as, restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea causing a person to wake and stir throughout the night. Chronic pain and arthritis can be a cause so too can depression, stress and anxiety.

The problem can be diagnosed by undergoing a polysomnographic sleep study (PSG).