Insomnia · 28 March 05
Chronic inability to fall asleep or remain asleep for an adequate length of time.
[Latin nsomnia, from nsomnis, sleepless : in-, not; + somnus, sleep; Indo-European Roots.]
Short term or acute insomnia, which is often due to a temporary situation such as stress, jet lag, change or loss in a job or relationship, can last up to one month.
Long-term, or chronic, insomnia, which is experienced for a month or longer, can be secondary to causes such as medical, physical or psychological conditions, another sleep disorder, or medications and substances.
Primary insomnia may be caused by factors such as increased body temperature, metabolic rate, or brain metabolism . Poor sleep habits may also contribute to primary and other forms of insomnia.
Consequences of not getting enough good sleep can include daytime fatigue, impaired mood, depression, psychological distress, decreased ability to concentrate, problem-solve and make decisions, as well as being at risk for injury and illness… and it is no fun at all.