Sign in

or Register now

MySleepCentral.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Primary Insomnia

Definition

Primary insomnia is difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, or having non-refreshing sleep for at least 1 month.

The term primary means that the insomnia is not caused by any known physical or mental condition.


Alternative Names

Insomnia - psychophysiological (learned); Chronic insomnia


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Insomnia is caused by many different things. Anxiety, stress, coffee, and alcohol are the most common causes of insomnia.

About 25% of elderly people and about 10% of the general population have insomnia.

Secondary insomnia is insomnia caused by a underlying medical condition. Depression is a very common cause of secondary insomnia. Often, insomnia is the symptom for which people with depression seek medical attention.

See also: Insomnia concerns



Review Date: 05/08/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Answer a Question

what are strattera use for. does it cause weight loss?

Answer This View all questions >
Free Newsletter
Get weekly updates, news alerts and more on Sleep Disorders and related health conditions.