Final answer:
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. It can result in increased anxiety and depression, and there are multiple treatment options including lifestyle changes and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Insomnia
Insomnia is described as a sleep disorder involving persistent difficulties with either falling asleep or staying asleep. It is the most common sleep disorder that affects a significant proportion of the population at some point in their lives. Those dealing with insomnia may face lengthy delays between going to bed and actually falling asleep, and they might awaken frequently throughout the night, struggling to return to sleep. Insomnia often creates increased anxiety and stress for individuals, which can contribute to a vicious cycle of heightened arousal making sleep even more difficult to achieve.
Chronic insomnia is associated with symptoms such as overtiredness and can even lead to depression. Treatment options for insomnia vary; they may include lifestyle changes like reducing the intake of stimulants or increasing physical exercise, using medication cautiously, or psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). As with most health disorders, those affected by severe or ongoing insomnia are encouraged to seek professional help to manage their condition effectively.