Insomnia is defined by 3 characteristics:

  • There is difficulty in initiating sleep, in achieving continuous sleep or there is a morning awakening before the desired time or it may simply manifest as a feeling of “unrefreshing sleep” or of poor quality.
  • The sleep problem exists even if the circumstance and timing are right.
  • There is at least one of the following symptoms reflecting the daytime consequences of nighttime sleep problems: fatigue, loss of memory, concentration or attention, social problems, irritability or mood disorders, daytime sleepiness, reduced motivation, energy or initiative, tendency to errors or accidents in the workplace or while driving a car, tension, headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms caused by sleep deprivation.

Insomnia affects 30% of the population and is more frequent in women and older people.

Insomnia is currently considered a symptom and not a disease, so the use of hypnotic drugs is not always indicated and it is always necessary to follow basic sleep hygiene rules.