Information
Insomnia is the term used to describe inadequate or poor-quality sleep which may be due to one or more of the following: difficulty falling asleep; difficulty staying asleep; waking up too early in the morning and non-refreshing sleep.
How does insomnia affect daytime function?
Insomnia results in unrefreshing sleep and can lead to daytime problems of tiredness, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and irritability.
Are there different types of insomnia?
Periods of sleep difficulty lasting between one night and a few weeks are referred to as acute (short-term) insomnia.
Chronic insomnia refers to sleep difficulty at least three nights a week for one month or more. Most people with chronic insomnia will NOT be excessively sleepy.
Rule of thumb:
- Sleep-onset insomnia is most commonly associated with anxiety. Ensure that a severe delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) is excluded, see Circadian Rhythm Disorders – RefHelp opens a new window Also ensure that sleep hygiene is enforced.
- Middle insomnia is generally related to medical issues and illness, including pain, alcohol withdrawal etc.
- Late insomnia (sometimes also early morning wakening) is often related to depression.
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