Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia

  • Insomnia
    Insomnia is a common sleep problem for adults, affecting millions worldwide.A person suffering from insomnia has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when he or she has the chance to do so.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 28 September 2015

Symptoms of insomnia include;

  • Difficulty falling asleep despite being tired
  • Trouble getting back to sleep if awakened 
  • Waking up frequently during the night
  • Waking up too early in the morning 
  • Relying on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep
  • Daytime drowsiness, fatigue or irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day

When to seek insomnia treatment 

If you’ve tried changing your lifestyle and it hasn’t helped, you may need to see a doctor or sleep disorder specialist. Seek professional help for insomnia if:

  • Your insomnia doesn’t respond to self-help strategies 
  • Your insomnia is causing major problems at home, work or school
  • You’re experiencing scary symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. Insomnia can cause chest pain or shortness of breath due to anxiety or stress. (This can be experienced during sleep.) 
  • Your insomnia occurs almost every night and is getting worse
Changed
31/Aug/2017
Community
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Condition
Insomnia

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