Sleep disorders

Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources

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Bizarre Sleep Disorders

Insomnia

Insomnia

You’re tossing and turning, yearning for a bit of shuteye, but your body just won’t let you sleep. Insomnia — meaning “no sleep” in Latin — is the most common sleep disorder. Those with insomnia may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. About 30 to 40 percent of American adults say they have some symptoms of insomnia, and about 10 to 15 percent report chronic insomnia, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Insomnia may be caused by a variety of factors, including stress and worry; depression; caffeine, alcohol or nicotine consumption; certain medications; or napping too late in the day. Insomnia can affect you both mentally and physically, leading to weight gain, depression, and an impaired immune system. It can also increase the risk and severity of long-term diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

By Erin Golden. Published October 29, 2013. Erin Golden is a writer based in Nebraska. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.