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Consider These Important Facts About Insomnia

How To Diagnose And Treat Insomnia

From Antigone Arthur, for About.com

Updated: December 11, 2007

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

So you think you might have insomnia, but you aren’t sure, and you definitely aren’t sure who you should talk to about it. You probably have a dozen questions running through your mind: “Do I really have insomnia?” “What are my symptoms?” “When should I see my doctor?”

You will find it helpful to learn as much as you can about insomnia before you decide to see your doctor. You may also find it helpful to learn as much as you can about insomnia after you see your health care provider. Make sure you keep track of some of your signs and your symptoms while learning about insomnia. All you have to do is grab a pen and write them down. You can take this list to you when you do visit your doctor or other health care provider.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a broad term that many health care providers use in different ways. It is important you understand what insomnia is and why you should seek help for it. There are many different types of insomnia a person might develop. Some forms of insomnia are transient, meaning they come and go, while other people have chronic or long lasting insomnia that may affect them for weeks or months. Here are some facts about the different types of insomnia you’d probably like to know.

Types of Insomnia

Some people aren’t sure if their insomnia is serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. If you are losing sleep on a consistent basis it is probably a good idea to see your doctor anyway. Often insomnia is a symptom of other physical conditions including chronic pain or depression. Your doctor may need to evaluate your total body before he or she recommends any treatment for insomnia. Here is some additional material that you may find helpful if you are trying to decide whether to see your doctor.

Calling A Doctor, What To Expect And More

Your doctor will go over the many different types of insomnia and the treatments available. Most doctors make their diagnosis by first reviewing the symptoms of insomnia you may have. If you are not sure whether you have symptoms of insomnia, be sure you bring your list of symptoms with you when you see your doctor. Here are some common signs and symptoms of insomnia to help you out.

Top 10 Symptoms of Insomnia

You should also always speak with a doctor before you try taking any over-the-counter medicine to treat your symptoms. Your doctor may want to treat any underlying conditions before he or she recommends treatment for insomnia. You may find your doctor recommends alternative therapies before he or she recommends medication to treat your insomnia. You may already have some ideas about what types of medications may or may not work for your insomnia.

Overview of Common Insomnia Treatments

Your doctor may also recommend you change some of your lifestyle habits, or the way you eat. Sometimes the foods we eat can contribute to insomnia, while other times our habits lead to poor sleep. How well prepared are you to combat insomnia? Are you ready to change your life to cure insomnia? Find out what it may take to get a good night’s sleep.

How Diet, Exercise and Other Lifestyle Choices Affect Insomnia

Great Job! Now that you are well-informed about insomnia, you can start working on a restful night’s sleep. Keep in mind however; there is lots more to learn about insomnia. This is one of a series of articles that will help you gather all of the information you need to help diagnose and treat insomnia.

Explore Insomnia

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