Overview

Definition

Insomnia means you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or you wake too early. You wake feeling un-refreshed and you feel tired during the day.

For some people, insomnia lasts a night or two. For others, it tortures them for months or even years. Doctors used to think of insomnia only as a symptom of a disease such as depression or anxiety or a result of chronic pain. However, research shows it may be a condition by itself.

Insomnia might also be related to lifestyle. Do you go to bed too late? Do you exercise too close to bedtime? Do you drink caffeinated coffee after dinner?

Insomnia is a serious problem for millions of Americans. More than half of adults in the United States have insomnia a few nights a week or more, according to the National Sleep Foundation. That's troubling because sleep is one of the most basic of human needs and one of the most crucial. If you don't sleep well or get enough sleep, your quality of life suffers. Lack of sleep affects how well you do your job, how quickly your mind works and possibly even your weight and how well your immune system fights disease. Plus, drowsy drivers are a hazard. Yet many people suffer for months or even years before getting help.

Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep. Some need eight hours while others need less. So, it's up to you to decide if you aren't getting enough or not sleeping well.

Prognosis

Insomnia is usually treatable whether it is a symptom of a disease or a condition itself. Getting treatment for an underlying condition, lifestyle changes and medication may help.

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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.