Incidence and causes of primary and secondary insomnia

Authors

  • Jaime M. Monti Universidad de la República, Facultad de Medicina, Farmacología y Terapéutica, Profesor. Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Ex Director

Keywords:

DISORDERS OF SLEEP INITIATION AND MAINTENANCE, SLEEP DISORDERS, INCIDENCE

Abstract

Several epidemiologic studies carried out in Europe and North America show that sleep disorders may be considered as a common condition. Prevalence is higher in women and elder people. Around 10% to 19% of patients with insomnia remark its chronic condition. Sleep disorders in elderly patiens are associated with chronic afection, that is to say they are non lifetime dependent.
Primary chronic insomnia is associated with emotional factors or stress, that might prevent sleep. Primary insomnia do neither depend on medical nor psychiatric condition.
Secondary chronic insomnia may depend on an associated sleep disorder, psychiatric or medical condition, drugs and drugdependence. More frequent causes of insomnia are psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression), neurologic disorders (Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, epilepsy, stroke, migraine), medical disorders (cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, rheumatic, neoplasic). Sleep disorders have also been described during pregnancy and menopause. Many medical drugs (metilxantine, antidepressive and antihypertensive agents, antiepileptic durgs, corticosteroids) and nicotine may sometimes produce severe insomnia.

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Published

2002-05-31

How to Cite

1.
Monti JM. Incidence and causes of primary and secondary insomnia. Rev. Méd. Urug. [Internet]. 2002 May 31 [cited 2024 Nov. 24];18(1):14-26. Available from: https://revista.rmu.org.uy/index.php/rmu/article/view/998

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Review or Update and Updates