Sleep disorder
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a condition in which, despite an adequate sleep environment, a person cannot fall asleep easily, cannot stay asleep, or wakes too early and cannot fall back asleep.
As a result, sleep quality declines and daytime fatigue, poor concentration and mood changes appear, making it a typical sleep disorder that negatively affects daily life as a whole.
Symptoms
- 1
- Difficulty falling asleep
- 2
- Frequent awakening during sleep
- 3
- Waking too early
- 4
- Waking up unrefreshed
- 5
- Daytime fatigue
- 6
- Reduced concentration
- 7
- Mood changes such as irritability or low mood
Causes
| Physical factors | Pain from asthma, joint pain, toothache or a stomach ulcer can disturb sleep. |
|---|---|
| Psychological factors | Mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and depression can make sleeping difficult. |
| Lifestyle habits | Habits such as an irregular sleep pattern, too much caffeine or alcohol, and daytime naps can affect sleep. |
| Environmental factors | A poor sleep environment — noise, light or an uncomfortable bed — can cause insomnia. |
| Medication | Some medications can cause insomnia. |
Diagnostic methods
- 1
- Medical history and sleep habit review: identifies the patient's sleep patterns, lifestyle and stress factors.
- 2
- Sleep diary: a sleep diary kept for about 2 weeks is used to analyze sleep patterns and problems.
- 3
- Questionnaires: the severity of symptoms is assessed with questionnaires such as the Insomnia Severity Index.
- 4
- Polysomnography: if needed, brain waves, breathing and heart rate are measured during sleep to assess sleep disorders.
Methods of treatment
(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, CBT-I)
Correcting negative thoughts and behaviors about sleep improves sleep quality.
Sleep habits are improved by keeping regular sleep hours, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
At the doctor's discretion, sleeping pills may be used short term, or antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs prescribed depending on the cause of the insomnia.
Prevention and management
| Maintain regular sleep habits | Get into the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. |
|---|---|
| Improving the sleep environment | Sleep in a quiet, dark environment and keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature. |
| Limit caffeine and alcohol intake | In particular, avoid caffeine and alcohol after the evening. |
| Limit electronic device use | Minimize the use of electronic devices before bed so that sleep is not disturbed. |
| Regular exercise | Moderate exercise improves sleep quality, but avoid vigorous exercise right before bed. |
Post-treatment precautions
- Treatment results and duration may vary depending on individual symptoms.
- Temporary side effects may occur after treatment and vary with each individual's condition.
At the St. Peter's Hospital Epilepsy & Sleep Center, we help our patients sleep well through accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
If insomnia is troubling you, please consult our specialists.
Appointment with Dr. Hong, Seung Bong, Epilepsy & Sleep Center
