Insomnia

Abstract

Insomnia is defined as repeated difficulty with sleep initiation, duration or quality that occurs despite adequate time and opportunity for sleep. Insomnia complaints are generally comprised of extended period of nighttime wakefulness or insufficient amount of sleep. Occasionally, insomnia is a perception of poor quality sleep even when the sleep period is normal. The daytime impairment due to insomnia is related to fatigue, decreased mood or irritability, generalized malaise and cognitive impairment. It can impair social and vocational functioning as well as quality of life. In the most severe form, insomnia may increase the risk for traffic and worksite accidents as well as psychiatric disorders.