Insomnia
Overview:
Insomnia is defined as difficulty in falling or staying asleep, and is experienced to a moderate degree by more than a third of American adults. One in ten Americans experiences chronic insomnia, which typically does not go away without treatment.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up during the night
- Waking up too early
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Daytime irritability
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
Tests and diagnosis:
In order to diagnose insomnia, a doctor may recommend:
- Keeping a sleep diary for two weeks
- A polysomnogram (sleep study)
Treating insomnia:
Many cases of insomnia will respond lifestyle changes, such as following principles for sleep hygiene. If self-treatment is not successful, your doctor may also prescribe a medication.