Insomnia – which is Latin for “no sleep” — is the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep. Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint among Americans, and can be either acute (lasts one to several nights) or chronic (lasts months to years).
Half of those who have experienced insomnia blame the problem on stress and worry. In the case of stress-induced insomnia, the degree to which your sleep is disturbed depends on the severity and duration of the stressful situation.
Stressful situations that may lead to insomnia include:
- Anticipation of a major event, such as a wedding, vacation, or holiday
- Loss of a job
- Loss of a loved one
- Marital or relationship problems
- Tragic occurrence
Insomnia can also occur because of jet lag, shift work, or other major schedule changes. Insomnia is more likely to occur in older people and women. Women may suffer loss of sleep with hormonal fluctuations, due to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
Rates of insomnia increase with age, but most often the sleep disturbance is attributed to some other medical condition, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia
- Consuming too much caffeine or other stimulants (through food or drink or in medicines, such as weight-loss products or cold medicines)
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Drinking alcohol, which can prohibit deep, restful sleep cycles
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Heart disease
- Other mental health conditions
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Taking certain medicines, such as some antidepressants and medicines for asthma or blood pressure
- Using nicotine-containing tobacco products, such as cigarettes
Signs and symptoms of insomnia include:
- Being tired during the day
- Forgetfulness
- Having persistent worries about sleep
- Irritability, depression, or anxiety
- Making excessive errors
- Rarely feeling well-rested after a night’s sleep
- Trouble falling or staying asleep at night
- Trouble focusing on work, school, home, or social life
- Trouble paying attention
- Waking up during the night
- Waking up too early
The sleep medicine experts at the University of Miami Health System are experienced in treating insomnia so you can rest easier and feel more refreshed each day.
Why Choose UHealth?
Regional leaders in sleep medicine and sleep surgery. As a fully accredited comprehensive sleep center, our program meets and exceeds the rigorous standards set by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This designation recognizes our facility, services, and providers for the highest commitment to safety and quality care.
Multispecialty care customized for your good health and overall wellness. Depending on your condition, your team can include ear, nose, and throat doctors (ENT), pulmonologists (lung specialists), neurologists, psychiatrists, and weight management specialists with special expertise in sleep disorders. You receive the best care possible when we’re all working together for you.
Sleep studies offered 24/7 in a state-of-the-art sleep center. You can rest assured that you receive the most advanced care available. Sleep studies and tests are conducted in a modern, comfortable center — including the latest technology and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.