Insomnia is a sleep disorder, in which a person sleeps badly and thus has no normal sleep, accompanied by functioning problems during the day. We speak of normal sleep when a person sleeps five to ten hours. On average, a person needs about fifteen minutes to fall asleep. Waking up two to three times at night is normal, unless it takes a long time to fall asleep again.

Cause

Cause

In most cases, there are no obvious causes of insomnia. Light or not sleeping can sometimes be caused by stress or events during the day. Insomnia can also be learned. Then the cause is lost, but the learned behavior remains, so the insomnia doesn’t disappear. Possible causes of insomnia are:

In children, insomnia can be caused by the absence of an evening rhythm. The transition from active (playing outdoors) to rest (sleeping) is too great then.

Symptoms

Symptoms

When a person suffers from insomnia, he or she has the feeling of having had too little night’s rest. Signs and symptoms that may indicate insomnia are:

These symptoms of insomnia can also occur simultaneously. Anyone who suffers from sleep problems, may suffer during daytime from fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, lethargy, irritability and drowsiness.
In case of chronic insomnia, symptoms occur three or more nights per week and last for longer than three months.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

The doctor makes the diagnosis of insomnia based on the story of the patient. In some cases, it is important to investigate other causes that disturb sleep. Usually by means of a sleep study, in which a person is monitored during the night. This study asesses the sleeping pattern and certain functions of the body during the night, such as breathing, heart rate, leg movements and oxygen level in the blood. For this, one has electrodes and sensors placed at different locations on the body.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment is mainly made up of practical sleep advice, explanation and reassurance and/or guidance by a psychologist. It may also help to temporarily use medications. The doctor can then prescribe sleeping pills for a short period or for occasional use.

Prognosis

Prognosis

Many people with insomnia return to a normal sleeping pattern within a few days, especially when the lifestyle has been adapted. In people with chronic insomnia, the prospects are depending on the underlying problem.

Considerations

Considerations

A good night’s sleep is as important to health as good nutrition and regular exercise. The following advices may help to improve sleep:

Facts