Symptoms of Insomnia

Most adults should get seven to eight hours of sleep per night, but research has shown that the amount varies from person to person, as does the quality of sleep. Most adults will have a bout of insomnia at some point in their lives, particularly during stressful periods at work or in their personal lives.

Symptoms of insomnia include waking up during the night, difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, not feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep, extreme tiredness during the day, irritability, anxiety, depression, lack of focus on tasks, memory lapses, increased frequency of accidents or work errors, headaches, upset stomach or intestinal problems, and extreme focus on the problems of lack of sleep.

Sometimes, insomnia cures itself. The cause of the stress vanishes or the medications that may cause the issue are changed or stopped. Lifestyle changes, such as resuming exercise, can also play a role in helping to restore healthy sleep patterns. But if insomnia persists, it may be time to speak with a doctor who can check for any underlying diseases that may cause the issue.

The Sources of Insomnia

Here are some typical reasons for insomnia:

1)     Stress -- Problems at work, school issues, romantic entanglements, concerns over family, a pending divorce and job loss – the list of potential stress issues seems endless. All can cause sleepless nights.