Insomnia is defined as inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or waking too early in the morning. These events result in excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and impaired function during the day. Typically, people usually need 7.5 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, but some need more or less than that.

An estimated 30-50% of the general population is affected by insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia. The incidence of insomnia increases with age. Among older adults, insomnia affects women more often than men.

Perhaps the main sign and symptom a person experiences when they suffer from insomnia is that they have a hard time going to sleep. They may also wake up a lot during the night. They often don't feel refreshed in the morning. People with insomnia usually complain of excessive tiredness during the day, or may have problems with focusing on tasks at hand. They can also have reduced attention spans and impaired motor coordination. Sometimes people suffering from insomnia may also experience symptoms of increased irritability, anxiety, and depression. Impaired social interaction and an increased propensity for motor vehicle accidents because of fatigue may also be seen in people suffering from insomnia.

Certain groups are at higher risk for developing insomnia. These groups include:

• The elderly population
• Pregnant women
• People who frequently experience changes in their daily rhythms (e.g. business travelers who have to deal with jet lag and unusual sleeping environments such as sleeping in different hotel rooms from night to night)
• People that have medical conditions that can cause pain, or are taking medications whose side effects may cause insomnia (e.g. over the counter cold and asthma medications)
• People using stimulants like caffeine, or nicotine, may also be at increased risk for insomnia.
• Finally, people who are experiencing psychosocial problems (e.g. work stress, relationship stress), or who sleep with a disruptive bed partner (e.g. those who snore or have periodic leg movements) may be predisposed to suffer from insomnia as well.

Insomnia can be mild to severe depending on how often it occurs and for how long. Chronic insomnia means having symptoms at least 3 nights per week for more than a month. Acute Insomnia can last from one night to a few weeks. Secondary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems because of some other etiology, such as a health condition, medicine they are taking, or a substance they are using (such as alcohol).

Medications may be used to successfully treat insomnia. If medications are used, it is usually done over the short term. Sleeping medications like Zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta), Zaleplon (Sonata), Ramelteon (Rozerem), or Deseryl (Trazadone), can be helpful. In treating an insomnia condition, the main goal should be to fix the underlying problem causing the sleep disturbance.

Behavioral modifications also play a pivotal role in helping the patient suffering from insomnia. To minimize the chance of developing insomnia, one should exercise regularly. If one is suffering from insomnia, exercises such as relaxation breathing can be helpful reducing the severity of the symptoms. Avoidance of large meals and excessive fluids before bedtime should also help in improving sleep patterns. It should also be recognized that light, noise, and elevated room temperature could adversely affect and disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia. Also improper use of the bed can exacerbate symptoms of insomnia (e.g. watching TV, or eating in bed). As a general rule, use of one's bed should be reserved only for sleep and sexual activity. Perhaps most importantly, the establishment of a consistent bedtime routine and a fixed wake time will also help reduce the chance of developing insomnia in the first place, or help treat the symptoms of an already existing insomnia condition.