INSOMNIA: What is it?

Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or
poor-quality sleep because of one or more of the following:


* Difficulty falling asleep

* Waking up frequently during the night with difficulty
returning to sleep

* Waking up too early in the morning

* Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia is not defined by the number of hours of sleep a
person gets or how long it takes to fall asleep.
Individuals vary normally in their need for, and their
satisfaction with, sleep. Insomnia may cause problems
during the day, such as tiredness, a lack of energy,
difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

Insomnia can be classified as transient (short term),
intermittent (on and off), and chronic (constant). Insomnia
lasting from a single night to a few weeks is referred to as
transient. If episodes of transient insomnia occur from
time to time, the insomnia is said to be intermittent.
Insomnia is considered to be chronic if it occurs on most
nights and lasts a month or more.

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.