What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a common condition in which you experience difficulty with sleep. The average amount of nightly sleep that an adult needs is between 7 and 8 hours, with some people needing less sleep and others needing more. The person with insomnia may experience difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, waking too early or non-restful sleep. Some people experience a combination of these difficulties.

Chronic insomnia is associated with increased risk for cardiac disease, ischemic stroke, glucose intolerance, weight gain, poorer quality of life, poor cognitive functioning, increased mental illness and increased use of the health care system.

Symptoms associated with insomnia

People who experience insomnia frequently report a number of the following symptoms.

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Difficulty returning to sleep
• Waking up too early in the morning
• Sleep that does not provide a feeling of being rested or refreshed
• Daytime sleepiness
• Inability to focus
• Low energy levels
• Irritability