Deutsch: Schlaflosigkeit / Español: Insomnio / Português: Insônia / Français: Insomnie / Italiano: Insonnia /
Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall asleep, to maintain sleep, or to get back to sleep at night. It is a type of dyssomnia that involves difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep; chronically non-restorative sleep; difficulty in getting to sleep or staying asleep; also, not feeling rested after sleeping.
Description
In psychology, "insomnia" refers to a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, despite adequate opportunity for sleep. It can manifest as trouble initiating sleep, frequent awakenings during the night, or waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep. Insomnia often leads to daytime impairment, including fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and mood disturbances. It can be acute, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting for months or even years. Insomnia can result from various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors.
Application Areas
- Clinical psychology
- Sleep medicine
- Behavioral sleep interventions
- Stress management
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
- Occupational health and safety
Treatment and Risks
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
- Medications (prescribed by a physician)
- Relaxation techniques and stress management strategies
- Risks include dependency on sleep medications, rebound insomnia, and exacerbation of underlying psychological conditions.
Examples
- A person experiencing chronic insomnia due to work-related stress
- Insomnia developing as a result of untreated anxiety disorder
- Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep following a traumatic event
- Chronic insomnia linked to poor sleep hygiene and irregular sleep schedules
- Insomnia arising as a side effect of certain medications or medical conditions
Similar Concepts and Synonyms
- Sleeplessness
- Sleep disturbance
- Sleep deprivation
- Sleep disorder
- Restlessness
Summary
In psychology, "insomnia" is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep despite adequate opportunity for rest. It can have various causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral interventions, medications, and addressing underlying psychological issues. Understanding and addressing insomnia is essential for promoting overall well-being and functioning.
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