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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffInsomnia includes having trouble falling or staying asleep. It's one of the most common medical complaints. With insomnia, you usually awaken feeling unrefreshed, which takes a toll on your ability to function during the day. Insomnia can sap not only your energy level and mood, but also your health, work performance and quality of life.
How much sleep is enough varies from person to person. Most adults need seven to eight hours a night. More than one-third of adults have insomnia at some time, while 10 to 15 percent report long-term (chronic) insomnia.
You don't have to put up with sleepless nights. Simple changes in your daily habits can resolve insomnia and restore your needed rest.
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- Ramakrishnan K., et al. Treatment options for insomnia. American Family Physician. 2007;76:517.
- In brief: Your guide to healthy sleep. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/healthysleepfs.pdf. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Cole C, et al. Sleep disruption in older adults. American Journal of Nursing. 2007;107:40.
- Insomnia. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/Insomnia.cfm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Your Guide to Healthy Sleep. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/healthy_sleep.pdf. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Bonnet MH, et al. Types of insomnia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Bonnet MH, et al. Diagnostic evaluation of insomnia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Whitworth JD, et al. Which nondrug alternatives can help with insomnia? The Journal of Family Practice. 2007;56:836.
- Lamberg L. Despite effectiveness, behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia still underused. JAMA: The journal of the American Medical Association. 2008;300:2474.
- Bonnet MH, et al. Patient information: Insomnia treatments. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Bonnet MH, et al. Treatment of insomnia: Pharmacologic therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Wolkove N, et al. Sleep and aging: 2. Management of sleep disorders in older people. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2007;176:1449.
- Bonnet MH, et al. Treatment of insomnia: Nonpharmacologic therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
