Published paper in international journal
International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
http://www.arresearchpublication.com
ISSN- (E)
IJEEE, Volume 07, Issue 01, Jan- June 2015
INSOMNIA: A MEDICAL SLEEP DISORDER
Aafreen Khan1, Ashmal Fatma2, Mohd Maroof Siddiqui3
1, 2, 3
Department of ECE, Integral University, Lucknow(India)
ABSTRACT
Insomnia is common problem in general population nowadays. It caused by various factors such as medication,
stress, jet lag or negative emotions. Studies have shown that people with insomnia suffer from more symptoms
of anxiety and depression than people without insomnia. One showing drop in quality of work may be
misapprehended as idleness or lack of enthusiasm.
Keywords: Insomnia, Sleep Onset, Sleep Maintenance, Chronic Insomnia
I. INTRODUCTION
Sleep is an element of everyone’s daily life, and is a biological prerequisite in achieving adequate routine. Its
disorder are among the most important health problems that go unreported, with consequences that involves
growth. One of these disorders is insomnia.
Figure 1: Sleep Stages
Insomnia is defined as difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep. A person suffering from insomnia wakes
up frequently during the night or wakes up early and feels exhausted, slow and not refreshed, with a
helplessness to concentrate. It is also one of the important causes of daytime sleepiness. It is also, together with
pain and fatigue, the most common disorder among all of us. Though insomnia is a widespread condition in our
society, both doctors and patients are lacking in the knowledge about it. There are also no generally accepted
standards of treatment.
Sleepless nights happen to everyone. Many scientists and most of the society think of insomnia as a natural
reaction of the organism to tension or noise. The effects of insomnia can also include irritable mood and opinion
and an increased possibility of accidents while driving or working with machines.
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International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
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ISSN- (E)
IJEEE, Volume 07, Issue 01, Jan- June 2015
II. CLASSIFICATION OF INSOMNIA
2.1 According to Source
Primary insomnia: When insomnia has no known cause and is not easily identifiable, the condition is
called primary insomnia.
Secondary or comorbid insomnia: This occurs when the sufferer has sleep problems because of
something else, such as a health condition like asthma, depression, arthritis; pain; use of medication; or use
of alcohol.
2.2 According to Sleep Pattern
Sleep-onset insomnia: When the sufferer takes a long time to get to sleep, but can sleep through the night
once sleep starts
Sleep-maintenance insomnia: When the sufferer wakes frequently during the night and sleep is uneven
2.3 According to Duration
Transient insomnia: Lasting less than a week. This is the most common and widespread form among the
population
Acute insomnia: Lasts between one and four weeks. It is related to stress factors, but more longer-lasting
than for transitory insomnia.
Chronic insomnia: Lasts for four or more weeks and may be due long-term physical or psychiatric illness
or it may be due to no cause.
III. CAUSES OF INSOMNIA
Causes of insomnia can include:
Significant life stress.
Illness.
Emotional or physical discomfort.
Difficulty in managing negative emotions.
Environmental factors like noise, light or temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep.
Some medicines (for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure and
asthma) may interfere with sleep.
Anxiety
Interferences in your normal sleep routine (such as jet lag or switching from a day to night shift).
Depression.
Chronic stress.
Fear of sleep
Pain or discomfort at night.
IV. SYMPTOMS OF INSOMNIA
difficulty falling asleep
waking during the night and being unable to return to sleep
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International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
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feeling not rejuvenated upon waking
daytime sleepiness
irritability or anxiety
ISSN- (E)
IJEEE, Volume 07, Issue 01, Jan- June 2015
V. DIAGNOSIS OF INSOMNIA
Because only one third of patients reported their sleep problems to physician (Szelenberger & Skalski, 1999,
Pentor 2000), hence the first and foremost task in the diagnostic process is to find patients with sleep disorders.
The most important diagnostic tool is the study of sleeping pattern; a sleep log must be created where
information regarding sleep must be present. It is therefore recommended that the questions about the quality of
sleep and mood in the morning are a regular part of every medical interview. Patients with insomnia should go
immediately to their general practitioners and begin the correct treatment.
VI. TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA
In any case, if sleep problems persist for longer than 2-3 weeks and begin to negatively impact on functioning
during the day, be sure to seek medical advice.
In the case of acute or short-term insomnia, especially in those prone to insomnia, it is necessary to take
treatment as soon as possible. The patient places the sleeping pill, near the bed and reaches for it when cannot
sleep. This treatment protects the patient against the occurrence of factors effect insomnia and prevents against
the development of chronic insomnia. The use of medication for a short period is the simplest way.
In chronic insomnia, hypnotics are the drugs used for the treatment (no longer than 2-4 weeks). Additionally
these drugs must be used for the short duration of time or else may lead to other side effects. The primary
method of treatment for chronic insomnia is behavioural therapy.
VII. CONCLUSION
Research suggests that insomnia is a condition of hyperarousal caused by a relative shift in the balance of
activity of the sleep-promoting and wake-promoting systems towards an increase in activity in wake-promoting
systems. Insomnia is not a symptom of other disorders, but it is secondary to other medical conditions.
Insomnia occurs in 30–45% adults, and its prevalence is about 1.5–2 times more common in females than males.
Much research is done by the researchers of western countries but little to none research is done in the Asian
countries. Indian figures are unfortunately not known, but in the United States (US) alone, almost 60 million
people complain of insomnia
About 50% of the elderly population report insomnia. Though insomnia is a common symptom of depression,
there is increased duration of depression and deterioration. Severe insomnia leads to three times increase risk of
hypertension
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http://www.arresearchpublication.com
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