Insomnia		      
           
   

Insomnia is a very common problem. It is estimated that 30-40% of the population experiences insomnia at certain points during their lives which may or may not require professional assistance. Ten percent of the population is estimated to experience chronic insomnia.

Insomnia symptoms and types

U.S. News and World Report says that "Insomnia isn't just an inability to fall asleep; it's more like an inability to sleep well." Insomnia includes one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty initiating sleep
  • Difficulty maintaining sleep
  • Waking too early in the morning

There are two main types, acute and chronic:

  • Short-term, or acute, insomnia is due to a temporary situation such as stress or jet lag. It is important to address the underlying cause (or to "wait it out" in the case of something like jet lag). Effective and safe prescription medications can help.
     
  • Long-term, or chronic, insomnia lasts for a month or longer. It is most often related to stress, anxiety, depression, or to poor sleep habits.

Help with insomnia

Sleep medicine professionals recognize that insomnia can be frustrating to deal with. There are generally two treatment approaches: medication and behavioral.

  • Discussion with your physician is important regarding medication.
     
  • Behavioral approaches are used to reduce unwanted mind activation and are usually carried out in conjunction with a sleep medicine psychologist. Other mental health issues can also be addressed at that time.

For help with mild sleep problems, see our sleep tips page.

 

  

 
     
  For more information      
         
    For further information, see the Insomnia section of our Links and Resources page.
 		      
           
           
   

NOTE: Sleep health information discussed at this website is for educational purposes. Each
            individual is different and may have varying symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.
            If you are having sleep health problems, obtain professional medical advice.

©2006, Morris T. Bird, M.D. and Robert S. Thornton, M.D.
Medical Directors of the Center for Sleep Disorders at Florida Hospital
Solving sleep problems, snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleeping issues in Central Florida.
With six sleep centers at Florida Hospital locations:
   Orlando Main Campus, East Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Celebration, Winter Park and Apopka