Chronic insomnia

Chronic Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, despite ample opportunity to sleep, which leads to daytime impairment or distress, and has been ongoing for at least three months.

Definition

Chronic insomnia is defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a sleep disturbance occurring at least three nights per week for at least three months. It is distinguished from acute insomnia by its duration. Chronic insomnia can be a primary disorder or it can be comorbid with other psychiatric or physical health conditions.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of chronic insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This is often accompanied by other symptoms such as waking up too early, feeling unrefreshed after sleep, fatigue, mood disturbances, cognitive impairment, and general dissatisfaction with sleep.

Causes

Chronic insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors. These can include psychological issues like stress, anxiety, and depression; medical conditions such as asthma, chronic pain, and neurological disorders; and lifestyle factors like irregular sleep schedules, poor sleep hygiene, and substance use.

Treatment

Treatment for chronic insomnia typically involves a combination of medical and behavioral therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the first-line treatment. Medications may also be used, but they are usually considered a second-line treatment due to their potential side effects and the risk of dependency.

Epidemiology

Chronic insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is estimated to affect between 10% and 15% of the adult population. It is more common in women and older adults.

See Also

• Sleep disorders
• Sleep hygiene
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia