Alternative Names sleeplessness, primary insomnia, wakefulness, inability to sleep
Definition Insomnia includes difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and early morning awakening. Insomnia can be a symptom of another disorder. It may vary from restlessness or disturbed sleep to a shortened length of sleep. Some individuals suffer complete wakefulness. Primary insomnia is diagnosed if sleep should normally occur, and two possible influences are ruled out. The first influence is something external, like noise or bright light that hinders sleep. The second influence is any disorder, medication, or other substance that might be causing the sleep problem.
What is going on in the body? Sleeplessness is considered to be a problem when it is severe enough to prevent the brain from getting enough rest on a consistent basis. An occasional sleepless night is not usually considered a problem. However, when sleeping problems last 2 weeks or more, the insomnia becomes more serious. Insomnia can be a short-term problem. If insomnia extends beyond 3 to 4 weeks, it is considered chronic.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? Symptoms of insomnia include:
the inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep
repeated awakening in the night
early morning awakening
daytime sleepiness or fatigue
depression or anxiety
irritability
difficulty concentrating
What are the causes and risks of the condition? Insomnia can be caused by many factors, or a combination of factors. Causes of insomnia may include:
side effects of medications, especially amphetamines, excessive thyroid replacement, and many decongestants and antihistamines
What can be done to prevent the condition? Methods to prevent insomnia are the same as those used to treat insomnia. The best prevention is to develop good sleep habits.
How is the condition diagnosed? Primary insomnia is diagnosed when difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep becomes a persistent problem. If there are decreases in work productivity, increased health problems, or difficulties in concentration and memory, a diagnosis of insomnia may be made. A complete medical history will be taken, and a physical examination will be done. The doctor will ask about average sleep habits and about anything that might be interfering with the ability to sleep.
What are the long-term effects of the condition? The persistent loss of sleep may result in:
decreased work productivity
increased accidents
decreased concentration
short-term and long-term memory problems
irritability
fatigue
What are the risks to others? Insomnia is not contagious. Sleep deprived persons might cause injury to others by being involved in accidents.
What are the treatments for the condition? The best way to prevent insomnia is to develop good sleep habits. This includes maintaining a regular and predictable sleep schedule. Substances known to cause insomnia, such as nicotine, caffeine and alcohol, should be avoided. Creation of a quiet, comfortable sleep environment is also useful. Regular exercise is important, but should not be done within 2 hours of going to bed. Quiet, relaxing activities before bedtime, such as reading, listening to music, or watching TV, can help. Using medications such as nitrazepam, oxazepam or temazepam to induce sleep should be considered a last resort. Long-term use of these medications can actually cause more sleep problems.
What are the side effects of the treatments? Side effects of the many medications used to induce sleep include:
day time sleepiness
physical tolerance to and dependence on some of the medications
memory impairment
rebound insomnia when medication is stopped
psychological dependence on the medication
poor quality sleep produced by some medications
What happens after treatment for the condition? Good sleep habits should be followed for life. Early identification and resolution of contributing factors may help reduce the number of sleepless nights.
How is the condition monitored? Insomnia may be self-monitored. Doctors can be notified of persistent sleeping problems.
Author: Ann Reyes, Ph.D. Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
