Insomnia involves:
Sleep-Wake Cycle Disruption: Disruption in the natural sleep-wake cycle, often due to irregular sleep schedules, shift work, or travel across time zones.
Psychological Factors: Conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression that interfere with the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Medical Conditions: Chronic pain, respiratory problems, and other health issues that cause discomfort or awakenings during the night.
Medications and Substances: Certain medications, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can affect sleep patterns.
Environmental Factors: Poor sleep environment, such as excessive noise, light, or uncomfortable bedding.
Clinical Evaluation
Symptoms: Assessment of symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, waking up too early, and feeling unrefreshed after sleep.
Physical Examination: Examination findings may include signs of underlying medical conditions contributing to sleep disturbances.
Diagnostic Tests: Sleep diary to track sleep patterns, polysomnography (sleep study) to monitor sleep stages and identify sleep disorders, and questionnaires to assess sleep quality and related factors.
Difficulty falling asleep despite being tired.
Waking up frequently during the night or having trouble returning to sleep.
Waking up too early in the morning.
Daytime fatigue, sleepiness, and lack of energy.
Irritability, mood disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.
Increased errors or accidents due to impaired alertness.
Treatment focuses on improving sleep quality and addressing underlying causes:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): Structured therapy to identify and change thoughts and behaviors that contribute to insomnia.
Medications: Short-term use of sleep aids such as benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, as well as medications to treat underlying conditions like anxiety or depression.
Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.
Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Lifestyle Modifications: Regular physical activity, avoiding large meals and caffeine close to bedtime, and managing stress effectively.