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Who Gets Insomnia And Why?

Common Symptoms & Risks

From Antigone Arthur, for About.com

Updated: February 29, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD

People Most At Risk For Insomnia

Are you at risk for insomnia? According to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, each year more than 40 million people suffer from insomnia and related sleep disorders. Those at risk including individuals with mental disorders including depression and anxiety, people suffering from chronic illness, individuals with substance abuse problems, and people with a family history of sleep disorders.

Genetics and Insomnia

A lot of insomnia has to do with genetics. Many mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, are linked with hereditary or biological elements. Many researchers believe a genetic component may predispose people to certain sleep disorders, including sleepwalking, night terrors or sleep apnea. If you have a family history of chronic illness involving autoimmune diseases, you may also be at risk for insomnia.

Childhood Sleep Disorders: Possible Risk Factor for Adult Insomnia

Childhood insomnia is a common disorder as are parasomnias like sleep walking or a related disorder. It is a serious problem, one that you should pay close attention to. There are many ways you can find out whether your child has insomnia or a related sleep disorder.

Sleep problems often occur in young children, in the form of nightmares or night terrors, and in older children, taking on forms including waking too early in the morning or having difficulty falling asleep. They most common symptoms in children include sleepwalking, restless legs syndrome or night terrors. Sometimes sleep disorders in children arise from underlying conditions including ADHD, or something as simple as a child's bedtime fears or nightmares. If you notice your child is sleepy during the day or naps excessively, they may benefit from a sleep study. Visit Diagnosing Insomnia Tips for more information. Often alternative treatments including behavioral therapy are helpful for treating insomnia in children.

Insomnia and the Elderly

As we grow older, we are more likely to suffer insomnia related to chronic illness, pain or discomfort. Sleep disorders including insomnia are common among people as they age. Psychological problems including and depression, or even substance abuse problems like alcohol abuse may contribute to poor sleep.

Sleep Studies And Insomnia

Sleep studies can provide valuable information about sleep disorders and why someone suffers from insomnia. They can also help identify underlying conditions including sleep apnea. With proper treatment and care, most people can recover from insomnia and rest easy. Want more information on sleep studies? Check out this interactive sleep quiz provided by the National Institutes of Health. Take it with you to your doctor to find out if you qualify for a sleep study.

What You Can Do

If you suspect you suffer from insomnia or a related disorder, you must contact your doctor for advice. They will take a detailed medical history and may recommend a sleep study. You can also improve your chances of a good night's sleep by changing your lifestyle. Diet and exercise play an important role in our ability to sleep soundly. Take the About.com Diet and Sleep Quiz to find out how your diet may affect your ability to sleep.

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