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Insomnia (cont.)

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 may be a symptom of another medical or psychological problem, which a patient may need to address first or at the same time.

When to go to the hospital

  • Generally, a patient 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 need to seek emergency medical care.



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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.

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