Insomnia

Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or the quality of sleep that impairs well-being or daytime functioning.

Definition

Insomnia may include trouble falling asleep, waking up frequently, waking up too early, or sleep that is not restorative. It may be short-term or chronic and involve stress, habits, disease, medications, pain or mental problems. If it persists, impairs daily functioning or is severe, it is worth consulting a doctor or sleep specialist.

Key ideas

  1. Difficulty sleeping
  2. Impact on the day
  3. The importance of consultations in case of chronicity

Practice and life

For a week, write down bedtime, wake-up times, caffeine, evening screen time, stress, and naps. Such a journal helps distinguish a single bad night from a repeating pattern.

Common misconceptions

It is a mistake to lie in bed for hours and struggle to sleep without changing the conditions. It is also a mistake to downplay chronic insomnia as simple "tiredness". > Sleep is not an interruption in life; it is part of the system that allows us to live. > — Guru Element

Questions for self-reflection

  • Is the problem falling asleep, waking up or the quality of sleep?
  • What evening stimuli keep you awake?
  • Does the insomnia last long enough for me to need a consultation?

Sources