Mark - Research

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/article_em.htm

Insomnia Overview

Most adults have experienced insomnia or sleeplessness at one time or another in their lives. An estimated 30%-50% of the general population are affected by insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia.

Insomnia is a symptom, not a stand-alone diagnosis or a disease. By definition, insomnia is "difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or both" and it may be due to inadequate quality or quantity of sleep. Insomnia is not defined by a specific number of hours of sleep that one gets, since individuals vary widely in their sleep needs and practices. Although most of us know what insomnia is and how we feel and perform after one or more sleepless nights, few seek medical advice. Many people remain unaware of the behavioral and medical options available to treat insomnia.

Insomnia is generally classified based on the duration of the problem. Not everyone agrees on one definition, but generally:

• symptoms lasting less than one week are classified as transient insomnia,
  
• symptoms between one to three weeks are classified as short-term insomnia, and
  
• those longer than three weeks are classified as chronic insomnia.

Statistics on Insomnia

Insomnia affects all age groups. Among adults, insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence tends to increase with age. It is typically more common in people in lower socioeconomic (income) groups, chronic alcoholics, and mental health patients. Stress most commonly triggers short-term or acute insomnia. If you do not address your insomnia, however, it may develop into chronic insomnia.

Insomnia Symptoms

Doctors associate a variety of signs and symptoms with insomnia. Often, the symptoms intertwine with those of other medical or mental conditions.

• Some people with insomnia may complain of difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently during the night. The problem may begin with stress. Then, as you begin to associate the bed with your inability to sleep, the problem may become chronic.
  
• Most often daytime symptoms will bring people to seek medical attention. Daytime problems caused by insomnia include the following:
  
  
  • Poor concentration and focus
    
  • Difficulty with memory
    
  • Impaired motor coordination (being uncoordinated)
    
  • Irritability and impaired social interaction
    
  • Motor vehicle accidents because of fatigued, sleep-deprived drivers
• People may worsen these daytime symptoms by their own attempts to treat the symptoms.
  
  
  • Alcohol and antihistamines may compound the problems with sleep deprivation.
    
  • Others have tried nonprescription sleep aids.