pathoscribe

Written by Jayne Thakur | Art by Wyatt Ngai 

Many of us have difficulties falling asleep some night, whether it is the nervousness for a test the next day, or a thought that plagues our every moment. However, for some individuals, this feeling extends beyond one sleepless night to the point where it begins to interfere with their everyday functioning. Typically, everyone has a slightly different sleep cycle or sleep preference: some wake up early, some late; some need less sleep, some need more. With that said there is still a range of normality most individuals have in regards to their sleep cycle (with most adults needing around 7-9 hours of sleep.

People diagnosed with Insomnia typically either have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in restless and few hours of sleep. This results in individuals losing some of their peak functioning and ultimately impairs their quality of life, especially if it is chronic (long term). 

Research has found that there are two ways to classify insomnia:

1. Time: whether the Insomnia is long-term (chronic) or short-term (acute).
2. Cause: whether the Insomnia is alone in its onset (primary) or it is a symptom of another condition (secondary).

When an individual suffers from insomnia they will typically undergo one of the following: Initial (sleep onset) Insomnia, Middle (maintenance) Insomnia, or Late (early waking) Insomnia. Patients may switch between the immediate symptoms over time. 

In terms of treatment, there is no set method. Several healthcare providers will recommend the use of drugs (either sedative or hypnotic) to assist with sleep directly, while others may advise the use of supplements or diet changes. Oftentimes, Insomnia may lead to some mental strain, and doctors will often recommend a course of treatment for the resulting strain as well. Every situation is different and your regular healthcare team would be best able to provide support. 

While it is definitely impairing, it is also not uncommon! Around 10% of adults across the world suffer from this condition. It’s important to monitor your health and seek out your local healthcare provider should you have any doubts.

Works Cited:

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, January 16). Insomnia. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355167