INSOMNIA CATEGORIES

Sleep disorder specialists categorize different types of insomnia into subtypes. But no matter which subtype of insomnia you have, it’s important to receive an individualized treatment plan. Every patient’s experience with insomnia is unique, and there are many different causes and contributing factors to consider. If you’ve been having problems falling asleep or staying asleep, talk to a sleep medicine physician soon.

A few causes for any type of insomnia can include: 

  • Stress
  • Jet lag
  • Poor sleep habits
  • Eating too late in the evening
  • Not sleeping on a regular schedule (could be due to work or travel)
  • Mental health disorders
  • Medications
  • Chronic pain
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Obstructive sleep apnea

 

Acute Insomnia 

An acute condition is one that occurs on a short-term basis. If you have acute insomnia, it means that you’ve experienced problems getting enough sleep for a matter of days or weeks. Acute insomnia is often the result of a stressful life event, such as a death in the family, job loss, or divorce. Since acute insomnia occurs on a short-term basis, it can be easy to underestimate its serious health effects. Short-term insomnia can lead to major problems, like an increased risk of motor vehicle and occupational accidents. Plus, acute insomnia can turn into chronic insomnia, which is why it is important to talk to a doctor about your symptoms. 

 

Chronic Insomnia 

Chronic insomnia lasts for a long time. In addition to the short-term problems associated with sleep deprivation—like an increased risk of accidents and poor concentration—chronic insomnia may lead to long-term health consequences. These may include an increased risk of the following: 

 

  • Weight gain and obesity 
  • Diabetes 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Depressed immune system 
  • Anxiety and depression 
  • Stroke
  • Asthma attacks
  • Seizures
  • Sensitivity to pain
  • Inflammation
  • Heart disease
  • Reduced life expectancy 

 

Comorbid Insomnia 

A comorbid condition is one that occurs along with another condition. For example, nerve damage can be a comorbidity of diabetes. It’s common to have another condition related to insomnia that triggers or aggravates this sleep disorder. Anxiety and depression may be comorbidities of insomnia, since it’s difficult to fall asleep in the midst of negative thought patterns. Any condition that causes chronic pain, such as arthritis or spinal stenosis, may also be a comorbidity of insomnia. 

 

At Sleep Dynamics, our sleep medicine physicians understand the importance of providing a personalized treatment plan for insomnia that addresses the individual’s unique situation and lifestyle. Whichever type of insomnia you have, you can turn to our office to find the right treatment plan for you. Call (848) 217-0240 to schedule an overnight sleep study in New Jersey.