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Pinpointing Your Sleep Problem
Pinpointing Your Sleep Problem
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A lot of people will tell you they have insomnia, but what exactly is insomnia? Actually, insomnia is not a diagnosis, but a clinical problem that reflects the perception a patient has about the quality and amount of sleep that he or she is receiving. People may complain about an inability to fall asleep or frequent early morning awakenings, and they don't feel rested. The best definition I have ever read about insomnia is that it is the inability to fall asleep or maintain sleep despite the opportunity. Insomnia affects 36% of the population, at least occasionally. As for treatment, there are medications, but often, the best approach is to have a health professional evaluate your sleep patterns and make some suggestions. The key is to get help, something only 5% of people with insomnia do.
I am Dr. Brian McDonough.