It is not unusual to have sleep troubles from time to time. But, if you feel that you
do not get enough sleep or satisfying sleep, you may have insomnia, a sleep disorder.
People with insomnia have one or more of the following:
difficulty falling asleep;
waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep;
waking up too early in the morning;
unrefreshing sleep.
Insomnia can cause problems during the day, such as sleepiness,
fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and
irritability. A person with insomnia may also have another sleep disorder such as sleep
apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome.
Insomnia is not defined by the number of hours you sleep every night. The amount of
sleep a person needs varies. While most people need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a
night, some people do well with less, and some need more.
About 60 million Americans each year suffer from insomnia, which can lead to serious
sleep deficits and problems. Insomnia tends to increase with age and affects about 40
percent of women and 30 percent of men.
A person can have primary or secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia
means that a person is having sleep problems that are not directly associated with any
other health condition or problem. Secondary insomnia means that a person is having sleep
problems because of something else, such as a health condition (like depression, heartburn, cancer, asthma,
arthritis), pain, medication they are
taking, or a substance they are using (like alcohol). Insomnia can vary in how long it
lasts and how often it occurs. Insomnia can be short-term (called acute insomnia)
or last a long time (called chronic insomnia). It can also come and go (or be
intermittent), with periods of time when a person has no sleep problems. Acute
(short-term) insomnia can last from one night to a few weeks. It is often caused by
emotional or physical discomfort, and can be related to a single specific event. Causes of
acute insomnia can include:
significant life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one,
moving);
illness;
environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or
cold) that interfere with sleep;
things that throw off a normal sleep schedule (like jet lag or switching
from a day to night shift).
Chronic (long-term) insomnia is when
a person has insomnia at least 3 nights a week for 1 month or longer. It can be caused by
many things and often occurs along with other health problems. Common causes of chronic
insomnia are depression, chronic stress, and pain or discomfort at night.
If you think you have insomnia, talk to your health care provider. An evaluation may
include a physical exam, a medical history, and a sleep history. You may be asked to keep
a sleep diary for a week or two, keeping track of your sleep patterns and how you feel
during the day. Your health care provider may want to interview your bed partner about the
quantity and quality of your sleep. In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center
for special tests.
Acute, or short-term insomnia may not require treatment. But if your insomnia makes it
hard to function during the day because you are sleepy and tired, your health care
provider may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time. The rapid onset, short-acting
medications now available avoid many of the earlier problems with continuing effects (like
feeling drowsy or groggy) the following day. Some medications may be less effective after
several weeks of nightly use, however, and long-term safety and effectiveness has not yet
been established. Side effects of sleeping pills (and over-the-counter sleep medicines)
can be a problem, too. Mild insomnia often can be prevented or cured by practicing good
sleep habits (see below).
Treatment for chronic (long-term) insomnia includes first treating any underlying
conditions or health problems that are causing the insomnia. If insomnia continues, your
health care provider may suggest behavioral therapy or medication. Most medicines that are
used for sleep have side effects and must be used with caution. It is not
recommended to use over-the-counter sleeping pills for insomnia. Behavioral approaches to
treatment focus on changing behaviors that may worsen insomnia and learning new behaviors
to promote sleep. Techniques such as relaxation exercises, sleep restriction therapy, and
reconditioning may be useful.
Good sleep habits can help you get a good night's sleep. For example:
Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same
time each morning. Try not to take naps during the day because naps may make you less
sleepy at night.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day. Caffeine and
nicotine are stimulants and can keep you from falling asleep. Alcohol can cause waking in
the night and interferes with sleep quality.
Get regular exercise. Try not to exercise close to bedtime because it
may stimulate you and make it hard to fall asleep. Experts suggest not exercising for 3
hours before the time you go to sleep.
Don't eat a heavy meal late in the day. A light snack before bedtime,
however, may help you sleep.
Make your sleeping place comfortable. Be sure that it is dark, quiet,
and not too warm or too cold. If light is a problem, try a sleeping mask. If noise is a
problem, try earplugs, a fan, or a "white noise" machine to cover up the sounds.
Follow a routine to help relax and wind down before sleep, such as
reading a book, listening to music, or taking a bath.
Avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep or sex.
If you can't fall asleep and don't feel drowsy, get up and read or do
something that is not overly stimulating until you feel sleepy.
If you have trouble lying awake worrying about things, try making a
to-do list before you go to bed. This may help you to "let go" of those worries
overnight.
See your health care provider if you think that you have insomnia or another sleep
disorder.
