Symptoms And Causes Of Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by inadequate sleep quality and quantity. People with this sleep disorder have one or more of the following insomnia symptoms:

1. Difficulty falling asleep
2. Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
3. Waking up too early in the morning
4. Feeling tired upon waking
5. Sleepiness during the day
6. Irritability and problems with concentration or memory

What Causes Insomnia? insomnia can be its own medical problem (primary insomnia) or it can be caused by a separate issue (secondary insomnia) such as a side effect from medication.  Insomnia may be an acute (short-term) problem, meaning it lasts less than 1 month, or it can be chronic, lasting one month or longer. Situations that may cause a period of acute insomnia can include:

1. Stress for example, job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, or moving
2. Illness
3. Emotional or physical discomfort
4. Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep
5. Some medications for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure and asthma
6. Interference in normal sleep schedule for example, jet lag or switching from a day to night shift

Causes of chronic insomnia can include:

1. Depression and/or anxiety
2. Chronic stress
3. Pain or discomfort at night