Description: Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep, which can lead to daytime sleepiness. This disorder can manifest in various ways, including the inability to get enough sleep, waking frequently during the night, or waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. Insomnia affects not only the quantity of sleep but also its quality, resulting in fatigue, irritability, and concentration problems. Often, insomnia is a symptom of underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, or medical conditions. The prevalence of insomnia is high, affecting millions of people worldwide, and it can be acute (short-term) or chronic (persistent for months or years). Identifying and treating insomnia is crucial, as inadequate sleep can significantly impact a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their overall quality of life.
History: The term ‘insomnia’ comes from the Latin ‘insomnia’, meaning ‘without sleep’. Throughout history, insomnia has been documented in ancient texts, including works by Hippocrates and Galen, who described its effects on health. In the 20th century, research on sleep and sleep disorders expanded, leading to a greater understanding of the causes and treatments for insomnia. The introduction of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the 1970s marked a milestone in the treatment of insomnia, providing a non-pharmacological approach that has proven effective.
Uses: Insomnia is used in the medical field to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Healthcare professionals employ various tools, such as sleep assessment questionnaires and polysomnography studies, to identify the nature of insomnia and its underlying causes. Additionally, the term is used in research to study the effects of insomnia on mental and physical health, as well as to develop new therapeutic interventions.
Examples: An example of insomnia is a person who, despite being tired, cannot fall asleep for more than 30 minutes each night for several weeks. Another case could be someone who wakes up repeatedly during the night and cannot return to sleep, affecting their work performance and mood during the day.
