INSOMNIA

the inability to sleep adequately. Insomnia varies greatly in pattern and degree; the responsible causes may include poor sleeping conditions, circulatory or brain disorders, a breathing disorder known as apnea, psychosomatic disorders such as tension, or other physical or mental distress. Insomnia is not harmful if it is only occasional; the body is readily restored by a few hours of extra sleep. If, however, it is regular or frequent, it may have injurious effects on the other systems and functions of the body. Treatment of mild insomnia may involve simple improvement of sleeping conditions or such traditional remedies as warm baths, milk, or systematic relaxation. Severe or chronic insomnia may necessitate the temporary use of barbiturates or tranquilizing drugs, hypnosis, or, because many chronic cases are psychogenic, psychotherapy; apnea and its associated insomnia may be treated surgically. The prolonged use of drugs as a relief from frequent or recurring insomnia can have harmful effects. The body tends to build up a tolerance to the soporific qualities of the drug, necessitating more potent dosage; habitual use can lead to addiction.