Most adults have experienced insomnia or sleeplessness at one time or another. An estimated 30%-50% of adults report having difficulty sleeping.
Insomnia is a symptom of something else. Insomnia is not a stand-alone diagnosis or a disease. Insomnia is the “difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep.” Most individuals have experienced insomnia at some point and they know how they feel and perform after one or more sleepless nights. However, few people seek professional help.
Insomnia may be a symptom of a medical or psychological condition. Many people experience symptoms of insomnia during the acute phases of a mental illness. Out of the all the other secondary medical and psychological causes of insomnia, anxiety and depression are the most common.
Insomnia has many causes and they are different in every person. Some common causes are personal situations, medical or psychiatric conditions, or primary sleep problems.
Some common causes of insomnia are:
- Jet lag
- Medical Illness or illness of loved one
- Prescription or over the counter medications
- Pain or Breathing Problems
- Stressful situations in life
- Shift work and changes in shifts
- Uncomfortable sleeping conditions
- Withdrawal from drug, alcohol, or medications
- Change of location or environment
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
Anyone suffering with the symptoms of insomnia should seek professional help. There are many forms of help available and may include counseling, medication or both. If you have questions about insomnia please request an appointment with an iTherapy counselor. They are trained to help you.
