Insomnia
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - G47
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is defined as any difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep during the night. Some patients describe it as taking a long time to fall asleep, others wake up several times during the night, and some wake up in the middle of the night and cannot fall back asleep.
Incidence
Studies estimate that the population prevalence of insomnia can range from 5% to 50%, depending on the location of the study.
Symptoms
Patients with insomnia typically experience daytime symptoms such as fatigue, tiredness, and impaired concentration, which negatively impact quality of life. There is some evidence that, in addition to symptoms related to poor sleep, patients with chronic insomnia (symptoms lasting more than 3 months) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Insomnia often affects individuals with a tendency toward hyperarousal, and stressful situations can trigger the condition. However, it can also be a symptom of other disorders, such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, clinical and psychiatric conditions, among others.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of insomnia is based on the patient’s clinical complaints. Therefore, identifying factors that may have triggered and are perpetuating the condition is essential. Polysomnography (sleep study) helps identify other possible sleep disorders that may be worsening or causing insomnia and that require treatment.
Treatment
The treatment of insomnia should be individualized and generally includes behavioral measures (sleep hygiene, strategies to reduce hyperarousal, and cognitive behavioral therapy, among others), treatment of any coexisting conditions that may trigger or worsen the condition, and medication when necessary.