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June 19, 2013
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Insomnia (cont.)

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When to Seek Medical Care

When to call the doctor

  • A person with insomnia needs a doctor's attention if it lasts longer than three to four weeks, or sooner if it interferes with a person's daytime activities and ability to function.

  • Insomnia is generally a symptom of an underlying situation or another medical or psychological problem, which may need to be addressed first or at the same time.

When to go to the hospital

  • Generally, a person will not be hospitalized for most types of insomnia. However, accidents may result from poor coordination and attention lapse seen with sleep deprivation.

  • Worsening pain or increased difficulty breathing at night also may indicate a person needs to seek emergency medical care.

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Insomnia »

Insomnia is defined as repeated difficulty with the initiation, duration, maintenance, or quality of sleep that occurs despite adequate time and opportunity for sleep that results in some form of daytime impairment.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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