Insomnia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
الأرق
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which it is hard to fall or stay asleep, or sleep is unrefreshing despite adequate opportunity, affecting daytime energy and mood. It is treated first by improving sleep habits and cognitive behavioral therapy, with short-term medication when needed.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which a person has difficulty falling or staying asleep, or wakes early and cannot return to sleep, or has unrefreshing sleep, despite having adequate time and conditions for sleep. The result is tiredness, poor concentration, and mood changes during the day.
Insomnia may be short-term, linked to stress or a specific event, or chronic, lasting three nights a week or more for over three months. It is often a symptom linked to other causes such as stress, anxiety, depression, pain, poor sleep habits, or excess caffeine and screens before bed.
The good news is that most insomnia improves without medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line and most effective long-term treatment, addressing the thoughts and habits that hinder sleep. Sleeping pills remain a short-term option under a doctor's supervision, since they do not treat the cause and can cause dependence if used long-term.
Symptoms
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Frequent night waking or early waking.
- Unrefreshing sleep and daytime tiredness.
- Difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and irritability.
Causes
- Stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Irregular sleep habits and an uncomfortable sleep environment.
- Caffeine, nicotine, and screens before bed.
- Chronic pain or certain medications and illnesses.
Diagnosis
- Clinical assessment of sleep habits and medical and psychological history.
- A sleep diary to record the pattern.
- A sleep study when other disorders such as sleep apnea are suspected.
Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
- The first-line, most effective long-term treatment, addressing thoughts and habits.
Sleep hygiene
- Consistent bed and wake times, and a dark, quiet, cool room.
- Avoiding caffeine, heavy meals, and screens before bed.
- Reserving the bed for sleep and leaving it when unable to sleep.
Medication
- Short-term sleeping pills by prescription when needed, avoiding prolonged use.
This content is educational and does not replace medical advice.
Complications
- Reduced performance and concentration and more errors and accidents.
- Worsening anxiety and depression.
- Weakened immunity and higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Prevention
- Keeping a regular sleep routine.
- Managing stress and practicing relaxation.
- Reducing caffeine and exercising during the day.
- Avoiding long naps.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if insomnia lasts more than a few weeks or affects your daytime performance and mood, or if it comes with loud snoring and breathing pauses during sleep. Book an appointment with a sleep specialist or psychiatrist on ClinicsJo to assess the cause and a treatment plan.