Primary Insomnia
- Primary Insomnia Overview
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Primary Insomnia Overview
Primary insomnia is sleeplessness that cannot be attributed to a medical, psychiatric, or environmental cause (such as drug abuse or medications). It is characterized by the following:
- A 1-month or longer history of at least one of the following: a) difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or b) nonrestorative sleep.
- Sleep disturbance (or associated daytime fatigue) causing significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
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Primary Insomnia
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint. Insomnia is defined as difficultly falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in inadequate length of sleep and/or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is not a disease, but a symptom associated with a variety of medical, psychiatric, or sleep disorders.
What Causes Insomnia?
Almost everyone experiences occasional or short-term insomnia (less than three weeks). Causes of short-term insomnia are typically related to environmental factors such as too much noise or light, temperature extremes, or an uncomfortable bed. Other possible causes include stress (for example, new job or school, deadlines, or examinations) or relationship concerns or losses (for example, death of a family member or friend).
Causes of chronic insomnia (greater than three weeks) are more variable and include the following:
- Medical disorders ...
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Primary Insomnia »
Primary insomnia is sleeplessness that is not attributable to a medical, psychiatric, or environmental cause.
