What is the general term for persistent problems with sleep initiation or maintenance?

• A. Insomnia
• B. Sleep Apnea
• C. Hypersomnia
• D. Parasomnia

Answer: (A)

Insomnia is the general term for persistent problems with sleep initiation or maintenance. It means trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep, and these sleep difficulties occur regularly enough to cause distress or impairment. This distinguishes it from other sleep disorders: sleep apnea involves repeated pauses in breathing during sleep; hypersomnia refers to excessive sleepiness or unusually long sleep; and parasomnias are abnormal behaviors that occur during sleep or during transitions between sleep and wakefulness. In older adults, insomnia is common and can be primary or related to medical issues, pain, medications, or mood disturbances. Management focuses on nonpharmacologic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and good sleep hygiene, with careful use of medications when appropriate.