Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. It also can cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. You may still feel tired when you wake up. Insomnia can drain your energy level and affect your mood. It also can affect your health, work performance and quality of life.
How much sleep is enough varies from person to person. But most adults need 7 to 9 hours a night.
At some point, many adults have short-term insomnia. This can last for days or weeks. Short-term insomnia is usually due to stress or a distressing event. But some people have long-term insomnia, also called chronic insomnia. This lasts for three months or more. Insomnia may be the main problem, or it may be related to other medical conditions or medicines.
You do not have to put up with sleepless nights. Simple changes in your daily habits often can help.
Symptoms:
Insomnia symptoms may include:
•Having a hard time falling asleep at night.
•Waking up during the night.
•Waking up too early.
•Feeling tired or sleepy during the day.
•Feeling cranky, depressed or anxious.
•Having a hard time paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering.
•Making more errors or having more accidents.
•Having ongoing worries about sleep.
MBH/AB