about insomnia

Insomnia is an extremely common health problem that affects roughly one third of the population per year. It is the inability for an individual to fall asleep and/or to maintain sleep, resulting in nonrestorative sleep. About 10% of adults suffer from insomnia.

Humans require 6 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Less than 4 hours or more than 9 hours of sleep is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Sleeplatency is the time required to fall asleep and is on average 15-20 minutes. Insomnia is associated with involuntary increased sleep latency.

Features of Insomnia
Patients report difficulty falling and remaining asleep. They may report an inability to remain awake during the day, especially in a warm room, on a full stomach, and in the presence of white noise. Insomniacs usually feel lethargic and tired during the day. They may also have microsleeps during the day of which, they may not be conscious. Insomnia and sleep deprivation is associated with an increased incidence of accidents especially by those persons operating dangerous machinery, as well as an increased incidence of road traffic accidents.

Causes of insomnia
Alcohol
More than 2 drinks close to bedtime changes sleep architecture and results in inefficient sleep. Sleep stages 1 & 2 (light sleeping) are prolonged, which prevents deep sleep stages, which are required for REM sleep (dream state). REM sleep is delayed and rebound REM (rest and restoration) occurs later in the night when the alcohol has been metabolised.

Psychiatric disorders
Depression and anxiety disorders are associated with insomnia.