Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is when you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Everyone can have difficulty falling asleep at one time or another, but when it starts to interfere with your quality of life, you should seek help.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia varies on how long it lasts, whether it is acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute can last from one night to a few weeks. With chronic insomnia, you have sleep issues for at least three nights a week for a month or longer.
Several symptoms accompany insomnia, including:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
- Waking up too early in the morning
- Feeling tired upon waking
- Sleepiness during the day
There are two different types of insomnia: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia is when you have sleep problems that are not directly associated with any other health condition. Secondary insomnia is when you have sleep issues because of another condition, medication or substance.
Diagnosis and Treatments for Insomnia
Our doctors at UAMS can help diagnose your insomnia. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, tracking your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day. You may be required to have extra testing such as a sleep study.
Treatment for insomnia differs for each individual condition. Acute insomnia may not require treatment and can be prevented or cure by good sleep habits. Treatment for chronic insomnia depends on whether there are any underlying health conditions that are causing insomnia.
No matter what type or the severity of your insomnia, our doctors at UAMS can help. Our Sleep Clinic at UAMS can help you get the rest you need so that you can return to normal life.
