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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Insomnia is a disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or both. With insomnia, you usually awaken feeling unrefreshed, which takes a toll on your ability to function during the day. Insomnia can sap not only your energy level and mood but also your health, work performance and quality of life.

How much sleep is enough varies from person to person. Most adults need seven to eight hours a night. Many adults experience insomnia at some point, but some people have long-term (chronic) insomnia.

You don't have to put up with sleepless nights. Simple changes in your daily habits can help.

Symptoms
References
  1. Insomnia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/inso/inso_all.html. Accessed Oct. 7, 2010.
  2. Approach to the patient with a sleep or wakefulness disorder. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec16/ch215/ch215b.html. Accessed Oct. 7, 2010.
  3. Ancoli-Israel S. Sleep and its disorders in aging populations. Sleep Medicine. 2009;10:S7.
  4. Doghramji K. The evaluation and management of insomnia. Clinics in Chest Medicine. 2010;31:327.
  5. Bonnet MH, et al. Overview of insomnia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 29, 2010.
  6. Owens JA, et al. Impact of delaying school start time on adolescent sleep, mood, and behavior. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. 2010;164:608.
  7. Natural medicines in the clinical management of insomnia. National Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Oct. 8, 2010.
  8. Cao H, et al. Acupuncture for treatment of insomnia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2009;15:1171.
DS00187 Jan. 7, 2011

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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