Insomnia disorder is a medical condition characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having poor quality sleep for a significant period of time. It is a sleep disorder that affects a person's ability to obtain restorative and adequate sleep, leading to persistent daytime impairment.
Individuals with insomnia disorder often experience difficulty initiating sleep or maintaining sleep throughout the night, resulting in a variety of consequences such as fatigue, lack of concentration, decreased performance at work or school, irritability, mood disturbances, and an increased risk of accidents due to impaired cognitive functioning.
Insomnia disorder can be further classified into different subtypes based on its duration and underlying causes. These subtypes include transient insomnia, which lasts for a few nights; acute insomnia, which persists for several weeks; and chronic insomnia, which extends for at least three months.
There can be various factors contributing to the development of insomnia disorder, including physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. These factors may include medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain, respiratory disorders), psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression), substance abuse, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, irregular sleep schedules, or poor sleep hygiene.
Treatment options for insomnia disorder typically involve a combination of pharmacological interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Medications may be prescribed to help initiate or maintain sleep, though their long-term use is usually not recommended. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) focuses on identifying and modifying behaviors and thoughts that contribute to sleep difficulties. Additionally, adopting healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep routine, creating a conducive sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques, can also be beneficial for managing insomnia disorder.
