3 Ways to Identify Primary Insomnia

1. Identify the Symptoms of Psychophysiological Primary Insomnia

Primary insomnia is characterized by a distinct difficulty in falling asleep, even in the presence of marked fatigue. Primary insomnia sufferers will also find themselves waking up intermittently throughout the night for no apparent reason. Additionally, waking up earlier in the morning than intended is a common occurrence. If, for example, someone with primary insomnia rises to go to the bathroom in the pre-dawn hours, he will often end up remaining awake, unable to go back to sleep.

Feeling fatigued and insufficiently rested are typical daytime symptoms. An interesting symptom of primary insomnia is the ability to sleep comparatively soundly in other beds or locations away from home. Primary insomnia can take its toll emotionally, as people suffering from the condition are apt to deny there is a problem while doing little to treat it.

2. Recognize Idiopathic Primary Insomnia Symptoms

Idiopathic insomnia is a form of primary insomnia sleep disorder that is characterized by symptoms setting in at a very early age. Such sufferers have also been found to have difficulty in daily life, either through a lack of attention span or through hyperactivity disorders. Idiopathic insomniacs are also known to have relatively unpredictable reactions to medications, even to common over-the-counter pain relievers.

3. Identify the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Insomnia

Primary insomnia is a sleep disorder in which sufferers have no discernible, preexisting reason for the condition. Secondary insomnia sufferers, on the other hand, are those who have developed the condition because of outside influences. People with medical conditions like arthritis, cancer, acid reflux disease, asthma, depression or any number of other conditions causing pain and discomfort are likely to develop secondary insomnia.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

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