Insomnia
                     Insomnia
Introduction
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that is characterized 
by difficulty:
• Falling asleep initially
• Waking up during the night
• Waking earlier than desired
2
S O U R C E :  M Y. C L E V E L A N D C L I N I C . O R G
Diagnosis
3
Physical exam
• If the cause of insomnia is unknown, your doctor may 
do a physical exam to look for signs of medical 
problems that may be related to insomnia. 
• Occasionally, a blood test may be done to check for 
thyroid problems or other conditions that may be 
associated with poor sleep.
4
S O U R C E :  W W W . M A Y O C L I N I C . O R G
Sleep habits 
review
• In addition to asking you sleep-related questions, your 
doctor may have you complete a questionnaire to 
determine your sleep-wake pattern and your level of 
daytime sleepiness. 
• You may also be asked to keep a sleep diary for a 
couple of weeks.
5
S O U R C E :  W W W . M A Y O C L I N I C . O R G
Sleep study
• If the cause of your insomnia isn't clear, or you have 
signs of another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or 
restless legs syndrome, you may need to spend a night 
at a sleep center. 
• Tests are done to monitor and record a variety of body 
activities while you sleep, including brain waves, 
breathing, heartbeat, eye movements and body 
movements.
6
S O U R C E :  W W W . M A Y O C L I N I C . O R G
Treatment
7
Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia can help you 
control or eliminate negative thoughts and actions that 
keep you awake and is generally recommended as the 
first line of treatment for people with insomnia.
8
S O U R C E :  W W W . M A Y O C L I N I C . O R G
Prescription medications
• Prescription sleeping pills can help you get to sleep, 
stay asleep or both. 
• Doctors generally don't recommend relying on 
prescription sleeping pills for more than a few weeks, 
but several medications are approved for long-term 
use.
9
S O U R C E :  W W W . M A Y O C L I N I C . O R G
Lifestyle and home remedies
No matter what your age, insomnia usually is treatable. 
The key often lies in changes to your routine during the 
day and when you go to bed.
• Stick to a sleep schedule
• Stay active
• Avoid or limit naps
• Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol and don't use 
nicotine
• Don't put up with pain
10
S O U R C E :  W W W . M A Y O C L I N I C . O R G
Complications of insomnia
Over time, lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can 
negatively affect your physical and mental health. 
Insomnia can contribute to:
• Diabetes
• Driving accidents, injuries and falls
• High blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease and 
stroke
• Mood disorders
• Weight gain and obesity
11
S O U R C E :  M Y. C L E V E L A N D C L I N I C . O R G