Insomnia

Insomnia is commonly referred to as a difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or as a non-refreshing sleep. Although adequate time and opportunity for sleep are granted, insomnia often results in some form of daytime impairment. Insomnia is not necessarily a disease per se, but may be considered a symptom of an underlying condition. Insomnia can be acute (lasting just one to several nights) or chronic (lasting months to several years). 

Short-Term or
Transient Insomnia

Short-term or transient insomnia occurs following a stressful event (loss of a loved one, job, relationship disagreement), a life-changing event (a recent move) or an anticipated event (a wedding or an exam). You may not be able to relax, have disturbed sleep, and in most cases, can pinpoint the reason or original trigger of the insomnia.

Other factors may include jet lag, alternating circadian rhythms due to shift-work as well as side effects from over-the-counter medications containing caffeine or other wake-promoting substances. The stress of experiencing transient insomnia can perpetuate into a chronic “psychophysiological” or “conditioned” insomnia if you begin to associate your bed as a place of frustration, dread or struggle instead of a place of rest and relaxation.

Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia arises when you have trouble falling asleep, maintaining sleep or experience non-restorative sleep for at least a month in duration. Normal functioning is impaired due to sleep loss.

Chronic-intermittent insomnia takes place when an alternating pattern develops between several nights of insomnia and a few nights of good sleep. Causes of chronic insomnia include, among others, medical conditions, poor sleep hygiene, limb movements during sleep and sleep-relating breathing disorders, hormonal changes, circadian rhythm disorders, and inconsistent sleep-wake schedule.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SUSPECT INSOMNIA?

If you answer yes to at least 3 of the following questions, you may have insomnia and should consult one of our providers.

1. Do you have trouble falling or staying asleep?

2. Do you wake up frequently during the night?

3. Do you wake up too early in the morning?

4. Do you feel unrefreshed when you wake up in the morning?

5. Do you feel sleepy during the day?

6. Do you experience at least one of the following symptoms:

 

  • Irritability/ Mood changes 
  • Decreased concentration 
  • Lack of motivation
  • Make errors while driving or working
  • Decreased energy 
  • Digestive complaints
  • Disturbed, frustrated and worried about sleeping properly

Symptoms

You may have insomnia if

  • You are unable to get the proper amount of sleep to feel refreshed and rested
  • You can’t sleep despite being tired
  • You experience restless sleep that leaves you fatigued upon awakening

Consequently, you may feel tired, irritable, experience a general malaise, and have trouble concentrating. It may affect your social and work life and impact your overall quality of life. Some individuals may complain of muscle tension, gastrointestinal symptoms and headaches. Children may experience poor school performance.

Causes 

Insomnia may be due to pain, medical illnesses, depression or mental disorders, other sleep disorders, tobacco use, exposure to or use of certain substances and medications, as well as stress and worry. Insomnia may be worse if you have poor sleep hygiene in addition to feeling anxious about falling or staying asleep.

Diagnosis

Because insomnia is often a symptom of an underlying condition, it is best to seek a qualified sleep professional to rule out other medical disorders contributing to the insomnia and get to the root of the problem. Our sleep provider will investigate potentials causes of the insomnia through a comprehensive and thorough interview and physical examination. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for several weeks to record relevant sleep information and other health-related issues. Upon reviewing the sleep diary results or feedback obtained during the consultation, our provider may recommend an overnight sleep study to rule out any other potential sleep disorders contributing to your insomnia.

Treatment

Click here to learn more about insomnia treatments.