Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of Insomnia include:

• Persistent trouble falling asleep.
• Failure to sleep through the night.
• Waking up earlier than usual.

• You experience disturbed sleep for more than a month without apparent cause. You may need referral to a sleep-disorder specialist to monitor your sleep patterns and test for underlying physical ailments.
• Your significant other notices that you seem to stop breathing briefly during the night, often associated with severe snoring. This could be a sign of sleep apnea.
• Your insomnia is associated with a life-changing event, such as the loss of a job or a loved one. You may need sleep medication for a brief period.
• Your sleep medication is no longer effective, or you have been taking medication for more than a few nights without success. You may be at risk of becoming addicted to the medication.
• You never seem to get enough sleep and fall asleep without warning during the day. You may be suffering from narcolepsy.