Definition: Secondary insomnia occurs when a person has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking feeling refreshed. Unlike primary insomnia, secondary insomnia results from underlying biological disorders or psychiatric disorders. These may include systemic illnesses, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or substance abuse problems. Secondary insomnia is best treated by addressing the underlying cause of insomnia before treating the symptoms of insomnia.
Pronunciation: sec-un-dairy in-sohm-knee-ah
Also Known As: Type II Insomnia, Chronic Insomnia
Examples: My doctor diagnosed me with secondary insomnia, resulting from the rheumatoid arthritis I suffer from.