Insomnia

Overview

Insomnia is a very common sleep problem. Because it can arise from several different causes, diagnosing and treating insomnia can also be complex.

Patients treated at Mayo Clinic for insomnia benefit from the knowledge physicians gain through treating over 500 people with the disorder each year.

Mayo's multidisciplinary approach also fosters a broad understanding of the disorder. Doctors from different specialties commonly share insights on how different medical conditions can affect sleep (and sleep specialists, in turn, lend insights on how poor sleep can affect different aspects of health).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually involves a description of the insomnia, discussion of possible stressors in the patient's life, and a complete medical history. The patient may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a couple of weeks. Psychological tests, blood tests or other exams may also be necessary to rule out possible causes. If another sleep disorder is suspected, a polysomnogram may be recommended.

Treatment

After underlying conditions are ruled out or addressed, treatment for insomnia usually consists of cognitive behavior therapy and, in some cases, medication. Read more about insomnia treatment options.

About Insomnia

Insomnia is defined as not getting enough sleep for normal daily function, despite having had adequate opportunity for sleep. People with insomnia have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, waking too early, and/or sleeping soundly. Insomnia may be transient (less than a week), short term (a week to a month) or chronic (more than a month) and may exist on its own (primary insomnia) or arise due to other causes (secondary insomnia). Read more about types of insomnia.

Read more at
www.MayoClinic.com
A service of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research