Insomnia, Research Paper Example

Insomnia is a general term for a number of types of sleep disorders.  It can be found present in an individual with other disorders, such as different types of psychiatric disorders, as well as independently for an individual.  By looking at the definitions for the disorder and its prominence, it is relevant for individuals to consider its presence in their sleeping schedules.  The presence of insomnia for many individuals can cause difficulties for one’s sleep patterns, where awareness of the signs and nature of insomnia is extremely important in regards to one’s health.

Presence

The presence of insomnia is evident.  A total of 64 million Americans suffer from insomnia each year, reportedly from the Department of Health and Human Services (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 2007).  It remains a common problem in light of these statistics in its various developments.  Notably, it is more common in women than men (Lamberg 2007).

Types and Definitions

Moving onward to the definition of insomnia, there are a multitude of applicable ones to apply to the disorder.  One general definition is given, in “difficulties initiating and/or maintaining sleep, or nonrestorative sleep, associated with impairments of daytime functioning or marked distress for more than 1 month” (Morin 2000).  While this characterizes insomnia, it is quite general.

The most common type of insomnia is short-term insomnia.  It is noted that “almost everyone occasionally suffers from short-term insomnia” (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 2007).  Thus, it is recommended to be aware of a relatively common problem and those which extend past this condition.

Hence there are a number of types of insomnia in which it is important to be aware.  Of course it is outside of the scope of the present analysis to give a proper overview of each type.  However, one major type of insomnia that is important to be aware of is found in chronic insomnia.  Its presence is at least one month, and it can cause a number of problems, from relatively reasonable symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping and fatigue, or more drastic symptoms, such as hallucinations.

Signs and Symptoms

The breadth of insomnia results in difficulties in ascertaining its presence.  As previously mentioned, even short-term insomnia is experienced by most individuals.  However, it is obviously important to determine if a more serious case of insomnia is present, if someone is experiencing continuing difficulties.

An individual may experience a number of signs when affected by insomnia.  Most signs related to insomnia are obviously around difficulties related to sleep.  For instance, difficulties falling asleep, such as taking too much time are common in insomnia.  If one is unable to return to sleep after waking up, or wakes up many times throughout the night, these would also be signs of insomnia.

Other common signs are also able to be seen. The most common sign outside of the aforementioned signs are related to feelings of tiredness.  For instance, when one experiences feelings of being tired after waking up, this could be indicative of a type of insomnia.  Other feelings of fatigue throughout the day are often relevant to insomnia.

The symptoms of insomnia are quite numerous.  The most common symptoms are related to the signs of insomnia, such as difficulties in sleep and those related to tiredness.  Related symptoms, such as drowsiness and irritability are seen in insomnia.

However, it is not that simple.  There are complications in insomnia, such as the previous reference to hallucinations.  It can cause unrelated and troubling symptoms such as difficulties in concentrating.  Insomnia can become quite serious, lowering mortality rates and affecting daily life in an explicit and troubling manner.

The signs and symptoms are important to consider when dealing with related difficulties.  Insomnia can have a definite effect on one’s quality of life.  As a result, it is appropriate to seek medical treatment as the disorder develops, and to consult further sources to determine the presence of insomnia.

Conclusion

The awareness of insomnia is incredibly important for individuals to consider.  The signs and symptoms can be overwhelming and uncomfortable for those affected with various types of insomnia.  Truly, it is a disorder that can mean much more than difficulties going to sleep.  Researchers continue to identify and develop ways to treat insomnia, yet the best way is in proper sleeping methods and in awareness of these dynamics.

References

Lamberg, Lynne. (2007). “Several Sleep Disorders Reflect Gender Differences.” Psychiatric News 42 (10):40.

Morin, Charles M. (2000). “The Nature of Insomnia and the Need to Refine Our Diagnostic Criteria” (Editorial). Psychosomatic Medicine 62 (4): 62:483–485. http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content/full/62/4/483. Retrieved 2010-06-01.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2007). “Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep.” National Institutes of Health. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htm. Retrieved 2010-06-01.