Insomnia (cont.)
Who Is At Risk For Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common disorder. One in 3 adults
occasionally has insomnia. One in 10 adults has chronic insomnia. Insomnia
affects women more often than men, and it can occur at any age. However, older
adults are more likely to have insomnia than younger people. People especially
prone to insomnia include those who are:
- Depressed or who have other emotional distress
- Working
at night or having frequent major shifts in their work hours
- Traveling long
distances with time changes (jet lag)
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia?
The main symptom of insomnia is
trouble falling and/or staying asleep, which leads to lack of sleep. The lack of
sleep can cause others symptoms, such as:
- Waking up feeling tired or not well rested
- Feeling tired or very sleepy
during the day
- Having trouble focusing on tasks
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or
irritable
How Is Insomnia Diagnosed?
Your doctor will usually diagnose insomnia based
on your medical history, sleep history, a physical exam, and a sleep study if
the cause of your insomnia is unclear.
Medical History
Your doctor will ask questions to find out whether there is a
medical cause for your insomnia. These include questions about whether you:
- Have any new or ongoing health problems
- Have painful injuries or health
conditions (such as arthritis)
- Take any medicines (over-the-counter or
prescription)
Other questions are aimed at finding work or leisure habits that
might be causing your insomnia. Your doctor may ask about your work and exercise
routines; your use of caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol; and your long-distance
travel history.
Your doctor also may ask whether you have any new or ongoing work, personal
problems, or other stresses in your life. In addition, you may be asked whether
you have other family members with sleep problems.
Sleep History
To get a better sense of your sleep problem, your doctor will
ask you details about your sleep habits, including:
- How often you have trouble sleeping and how long the problem has persisted
- When you go to bed and get up on workdays and days off
- How long it takes you to
fall asleep, how often you wake up at night, and how long it takes to fall back
asleep
- If you snore loudly and frequently, or wake up gasping or feeling out of
breath
- How refreshed you feel when you wake up, and how tired you feel during
the day
- How often you doze off or have trouble staying awake during routine
tasks, especially driving
You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for 1 to 2
weeks so you can answer these questions easily. Your bed partner may help you
keep the sleep diary.
To see what might be causing or worsening your insomnia, your doctor will
also ask you:
- Whether you worry about falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting enough
sleep
- What you eat or drink, and whether you take medicines before going to bed
- What routine you follow before going to bed
- What the noise level, lighting, and
temperature are like where you sleep
- What distractions, such as a TV or
computer, might be in your bedroom
Physical Exam
Your doctor will do a physical
exam to rule out other medical problems that might cause insomnia. You may also
need blood tests to check for thyroid problems or other conditions that can
cause sleep problems.
Sleep Study (Polysomnogram)
A polysomnogram is a recording of your breathing,
movements, heart function, and brain activity during sleep. For this study, you
sleep overnight at a special sleep center. Your doctor usually will recommend a
sleep study if you have signs of another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or
restless legs syndrome.
Next: How is insomnia treated? »
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