Risk Factors for Chronic Insomnia
Certain factors seem to make individuals more likely to experience chronic
insomnia. These are called chronic insomnia risk factors. Examples of these risk factors include:
- Advanced age (chronic insomnia occurs more frequently in those over age 60)
- Being female
- History of depression.
Diagnosing Chronic Insomnia
In order to help in diagnosing chronic insomnia, the doctor will ask a number of questions (medical history), perform a physical exam, and may ask you to fill out a sleep diary. The doctor may also want to talk to your bed partner.
Treating Chronic Insomnia
There are several treatment options for chronic insomnia. The insomnia treatment the doctor recommends will be based on:
- The possible cause of insomnia (see Insomnia Causes)
- The age and general health of the patient.
Specific treatments for chronic insomnia treatment 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 treating the underlying problem, behavioral therapy, and medicine.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print