Insomnia
Medical Review
Overview of Insomnia
Insomnia is defined as repeated obscurity with sleep initiation, maintenance, consolidation, or quality that occurs despite adequate time and which consequently causes some form of daytime disability. Insomnia commonly has unknown etiology, although it may be associated with other systemic conditions or drugs.
Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia
Difficulty falling asleep at night, Waking up during the night, Early morning waking, Not feeling well-rested after a night’s sleep, Daytime tiredness or sleepiness, Irritability, Depression or anxiety, Difficulty paying attention, Increased errors or accidents, Ongoing worries about sleep
Common Causes of Insomnia
Stress, Travel or work that affects circadian cycle, Poor sleep habits, Late dinner meals, Caffeine intake, Medical conditions: chronic pain, asthma, cancer, Lack of physical activity
Risk Factors of Insomnia
Female, Age more than 60, No regular shifts at work
Investigation Techniques for Insomnia
Physical examination, Sleep study
Treatment and Prevention of Insomnia
Cognitive behavioral therapy: stimulus control therapy, relaxation therapy, sleep restriction, light therapy, Stick strictly to sleep schedule, Medications: Eszopiclone (Lunesta), Ramelteon (Rozerem), Zaleplon (Sonata), Zolpidem




