Insomnia

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)¹, insomnia is defined by two main criteria: (1) the sleep disturbance persists for more than one month; (2) these disturbances lead to significant fatigue, anxiety, or objective impairments in work efficiency and role functioning.
 

Causes:

• Psychological Factors: Emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress are often primary contributors to insomnia.
• Physiological Factors: Certain health conditions, including chronic pain, respiratory problems, or hormonal imbalances, can affect sleep quality.
• Lifestyle: Irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can lead to insomnia.
• Environmental Factors: Noise, light, or uncomfortable sleeping environments can also impact sleep.
   

Symptoms:

• Difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep, along with poor sleep quality.
• Sleep issues occurring at least three times a week, lasting for at least one month.
• Persistent thoughts about sleep problems and their effects, day and night.
• Significant distress caused by sleep problems, affecting daily life.
   

Treatment Methods:

• Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for insomnia, helping to change poor sleep habits and thought patterns.
• Medication: Doctors may prescribe short-term sleep medications to aid sleep, but long-term reliance is not recommended.
• Lifestyle Changes: Increasing physical activity, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and establishing a regular sleep schedule can help improve overall sleep quality.

Reference:

1. American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.