Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Is insomnia serious?

Insomnia is not usually serious. However, lack of sleep can result in day-time sleepiness, which can lead to poor performance at school or work and can increase the risk of having accidents. If insomnia is experienced for a long time, it can also lead to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

How much sleep is normal?

The exact amount of sleep a person needs is difficult to gauge, as it can change with age and between one individual to another. On average, adults need between 7.5 and 9 hours sleep each day.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep. It is a symptom and not a disease. It is very common for people to experience insomnia at some point in their lives.

What causes insomnia?

Lots of different factors can cause you to have trouble sleeping. Short-term insomnia may be caused by stress or a change in your sleeping environment such as noise, bright lights or temperature. Insomnia can also be caused by substances called stimulants that can …

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

The main symptom of insomnia is experiencing trouble falling asleep at night and difficulty staying asleep. If you have insomnia you may also wake up many times during the night, or wake early in the morning. You may not feel well rested after a night's …

How is insomnia treated?

The treatment for insomnia will depend what is causing the condition. It is important to treat any underlying condition, such as sleep apnea or depression. Self-care strategies for insomnia include trying to get to sleep naturally by establishing a bedtime routine, …

Who is at risk of insomnia?

Anyone can experience insomnia, but several factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. These include being over the age of 60, being female, being under a lot of stress, having a mental health disorder, or working night shifts.

Can insomnia be prevented?

You can prevent insomnia by identifying and treating, early on, problems that could cause difficulty sleeping. This might include managing any health problems, reducing the amount of caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants you consume, and developing good sleeping …

How is insomnia diagnosed?

Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease, so your doctor will focus on identifying the reason why you might be having difficulty sleeping. your doctor will usually want to perform a physical examination to look for related health conditions, and ask you about your …

Who gets insomnia?

While anyone can get insomnia, there are some factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition. Females are more likely to get insomnia than males because of changes in their hormone levels related to menstruation or menopause. People over the age of 60, …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Sleep and newborn babies

The first weeks and months after bringing a new baby into the family can be a trying time. The newborn's sleep patterns often play a major part in the difficulties faced by new parents, but after a few months, a newborn will usually settle into a more mature sleep pattern.…
Diseases & conditions

Obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops or is slowed for short periods during sleep. It can cause mild symptoms like daytime tiredness or a morning headache, but can also lead to serious complications that can be life threatening. It is important to treat sleep apnoea.…
Diseases & conditions

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition that is characterised by extreme mood swings, which range from feeling high to feeling very low and helpless. It is a condition that will require ongoing treatment. However, with support and medications, it is possible to live a fulfilling and normal life.…
Diseases & conditions

Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalised anxiety disorder causes feelings of anxiousness, sometimes making it hard to carry out everyday activities. You may have experienced a major stressful event which could have predisposed you to developing this condition. There are multiple treatment options available to help manage the symptoms.…
Diseases & conditions

Depression

Depression is a condition that causes a person to feel sad or miserable most of the time. It is a common condition that affects physical and mental health and can interfere with a person's ability to carry out daily activities. There is a range of treatments and support services available to help people recover.…
Diseases & conditions

Seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mental health disorder in which a person repeatedly experiences depression or low mood during the onset of winter (most commonly) or summer.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 07 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 762 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Sleep and newborn babies

×

Content goes in here.