Risk Factors for Chronic Insomnia
Certain factors seem to make individuals more likely to experience chronic
insomnia. These are called risk factors. Examples include:
- Advanced age (chronic insomnia occurs more frequently in those over age 60)
- Being female
- History of depression.
In order to help diagnose chronic insomnia, the doctor will ask a number of questions about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and may ask you to fill out a sleep diary. Your doctor may also want to talk to your bed partner.
Treating Chronic Insomnia
There are several treatment options for chronic insomnia. The option your healthcare provider recommends will be based on:
Specific options for chronic insomnia include:
- Treating the underlying problem
- Medications
- Certain behavioral techniques.
About 85 percent of people who have chronic insomnia can be helped with a combination of these methods.
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