Delta Waves

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is the most common sleep problem affecting over 70 million Americans. Insomnia presents itself in different variations for different individuals. The most common types of insomnia are:

Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying asleep throughout the night
Waking too early in the morning
Waking up unrefreshed or with a misperception of sleep quality

Insomnia may last a few days (transient insomnia) or for several weeks or months (chronic insomnia). Chronic insomnia is considered to be more prevalent in women and individuals over the age of 65.

Transient or short term insomnia may be related to:

Poor sleep hygiene
Illness
Stress
Sleep environment
Extreme temperature
Jet lag or shift work
Medication side effects

The cause of chronic or long term insomnia may be related to a combination of the following:

Chronic stress
Depression
Chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Shift work
Alcohol abuse
Medical condition such as kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or heart failure
Hyperthyroidism
Another sleep disorder such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea

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Last Updated: November 29, 2011 7:14 PM MST

Delta Waves Sleep Disorders and Research Center - PHONE: (719) 262 - 9283 FAX: (719) 262 - 9285