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Insomnia

Definition

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to return to sleep. It often results in feeling tired, groggy, or unrefreshed during the day despite having had enough opportunities to sleep. Insomnia can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic), and it may be related to stress, anxiety, poor sleep habits, or underlying medical conditions.

Example

Imagine Alex, a college student, who has an important business meeting coming up. He’s been feeling stressed about the meeting, in spite of his extensive preparation. Every night for the past week, he’s lain awake in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. Even when he does manage to drift off, he wakes up after only a few hours and struggles to get back to sleep. As a result, Alex feels exhausted at work and has trouble concentrating.

Why It Matters

Insomnia matters because it can significantly impact your quality of life, productivity, and overall health. When you don’t get enough restful sleep, you may struggle with focus, memory, and decision-making during the day. Over time, chronic insomnia can lead to more serious issues like poor mental health (e.g., anxiety or depression), accidents caused by drowsiness, and even physical health problems such as weakened immunity or cardiovascular issues. Addressing insomnia early can help improve sleep quality, daytime functioning, and overall well-being.


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