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May 21, 2008 8:40 AM
Key Points
- Insomnia is a condition in which you have trouble falling or staying asleep. It is a common condition that can cause daytime sleepiness and lack of energy.
- There are two types of insomnia: secondary and primary. Secondary insomnia is the most common type. Secondary means that the insomnia is a symptom or a side-effect of some other problem. Primary insomnia is not a side-effect of another problem, and it generally persists for 1 month or longer.
- Insomnia that lasts for more than 1 month and is present at least 3 nights a week is called chronic insomnia. Insomnia that lasts for less than 1 month is called short-term or acute insomnia.
- Chronic insomnia is a serious problem that can affect your mood, safety, and performance at work or school. If insomnia continues for a few weeks, see your doctor.
- Secondary insomnia often goes away or improves without treatment if you can eliminate its cause.
- Your doctor will usually diagnose insomnia based on your medical history, sleep history, a physical exam, and a sleep study if the cause of your insomnia is unclear.
- Lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and sleep medicines can be used to treat insomnia.
- Sleep medicines can help treat insomnia, but these medicines may make you feel groggy after you wake up, especially if you don’t get 7 to 8 hours of sleep.