Insomnia
About This Condition
Insomnia refers to a prolonged inability to get adequate sleep. Not getting a good night’s sleep can result from waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble getting back to sleep. It also occurs when people have a hard time falling asleep in the first place. Insomnia can be a temporary, occasional, or chronic problem.
Symptoms
Sleep-onset insomnia refers to the inability to fall asleep initially. Sleep-maintenance insomnia refers to the inability to stay asleep, with one or more awakenings during the night.
Other Therapies
Behavioral or psychological counseling may be recommended for people with poor sleep habits or emotional disorders. People with insomnia are typically advised to avoid stimulants such as caffeine (found in coffee, tea, and soda), diet pills containing ephedra, and over the counter cold and allergy products containing pseudoephedrine.