Insomnia - overview

Sleep disorder - insomnia; Sleep issues; Difficulty falling asleep; Sleep hygiene - insomnia

Insomnia is trouble falling asleep, staying asleep (usually through the night), or waking up too early in the morning.

Episodes of insomnia may come and go or be long-lasting.

The quality of your sleep is as important as how much sleep you get.

Insomnia concerns

Most sleep issues concerning insomnia can be corrected by making a few simple changes. An individual should talk with a health care provider if he or she is having difficulty falling asleep, awakening several times throughout the night, having early morning awakenings or having marked difficulty getting out of bed in the morning.

Irregular sleep

Symptoms of irregular sleep/wake rhythm disorder include irregular periods of sleep and wakefulness which disrupt the normal daily sleep-wake cycle. It may be caused by brain dysfunction or not following a normal sleep schedule, ultimately leading to a pattern of insomnia and frequent daytime napping.

Depression and insomnia

Studies show bouts of insomnia may predispose individuals to depressive illness. The correlation between sleep disorders and mood disorders holds true across age and gender lines.

Causes

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Outlook (Prognosis)

When to Contact a Medical Professional