Share

What is insomnia?

accreditation
iStock
iStock

While occasional insomnia as a symptom is very common, “insomnia disorder” is a medically classifiable condition in which the above symptoms are associated with impaired functioning during the day.

The insomnia should also last for more than a month for the “insomnia disorder” diagnosis to apply. 

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder.

The International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3) defines insomnia disorder as follows: “Insomnia is a persistent difficulty with sleep initiation, duration, consolidation, or quality that occurs despite adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep, and results in some form of daytime impairment.

When no underlying cause can be found, a person is said to be suffering from primary insomnia. Where a cause is found (for example, a medical condition), it’s classified as secondary insomnia.”

Insomniacs may experience loss of energy and enthusiasm, have problems with memory and concentration, and may feel ill, sleepy and frustrated.

Poor sleep can be associated with accidents and lower work productivity, and may worsen medical and psychological conditions. These consequences make insomnia an important health problem that deserves serious attention.

Course and prognosis of insomnia

Insomnia may arise suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). In acute insomnia, there’s usually a triggering factor that can be identified – for example separation, bereavement, change in sleep schedule, or an increase in daily stress levels. 

By definition, acute insomnia is short-lived and can usually be easily managed by a short course of sleeping tablets and counselling addressing the triggering factors. Chronic insomnia has a more insidious onset over a period of time and its course can be situational, recurrent or persistent. 

The earlier you seek help for insomnia, the better the clinical outcome. 

Read more:
Who gets insomnia?

Reviewed by Dr Irshaad Ebrahim, specialist neuropsychiatrist in sleep disorders at The London Sleep Centre and The Constantia Sleep Centre. FRCPsych. April 2018.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE