Sleepless Night or Insomnia?

It is not unusual to have sleep troubles from time to time. However, if you feel that you don't get enough sleep, or a satisfying sleep, you may have insomnia. Insomnia can cause problems during the day, such as sleepiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep; waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep; waking up too early in the morning; and overall un-refreshing sleep.

About 60 million Americans each year suffer from insomnia, which can lead to serious sleep deficits and problems. Insomnia tends to increase with age and affects about 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men. If you think you have insomnia, talk to your health care provider. Mild insomnia often can be prevented or cured by practicing good sleep habits. If insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day, your health care provider may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time.