INSOMNIA

Most adults have experienced insomnia or sleeplessness at one time or another in their lives. An estimated 30%-50% of the general population are affected by insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia. Insomnia is "difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep”.

Insomnia may therefore be due to inadequate quality or quantity of sleep. Insomnia is not defined by a specific number of hours of sleep that one gets. Insomnia affects all age groups. Among adults, insomnia affects women more often than men.

There also seems to be an association between depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

The most common psychological problems that may lead to insomnia include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress (mental, emotional and/or situational)
  • Schizophrenia and/or Bipolar Disorder

    • Insomnia can affect the sufferer in the following ways:

  • Poor concentration and focus
  • Difficulty with memory
  • Impaired motor coordination (being uncoordinated)
  • Irritability and impaired social interaction
  • Motor vehicle accidents because of fatigued, sleep-deprived
  • Drivers

    • Hypnotherapy addresses the problem from two of the main treatments used in Insomnia: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Relaxation Therapy.