A – Insomnia Glossary

1. Awakening: The act of waking from sleep, especially if it occurs frequently or for prolonged periods.
2. Anxiety: A mental health condition characterized by excessive worry or fear that can disrupt sleep patterns.
3. Adrenaline: A hormone released during stress that can increase alertness and hinder the ability to fall asleep.
4. Accumulative Sleep Debt: The cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep over time, which can lead to fatigue and cognitive impairment.
5. Alternating Sleep Patterns: Irregular sleep schedules that can contribute to difficulties in maintaining consistent sleep.
6. Arousal: A heightened state of alertness that can prevent the onset of sleep.
7. Ambien (Zolpidem): A prescription medication used to treat insomnia that aids in falling asleep.
8. Actigraphy: A method of measuring sleep patterns by tracking movement, often with a wrist sensor.
9. Atypical Sleep: Abnormal sleep patterns or behaviors that deviate from normal sleep cycles.
10. Apnea: A sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessation of breathing during sleep, which can lead to insomnia.
11. Adverse Effects: Negative side effects experienced from medications taken for insomnia.
12. Aftereffects: Issues such as fatigue or grogginess that occur after waking from inadequate or poor-quality sleep.
13. Adherence: The degree to which patients follow prescribed treatment plans for insomnia.
14. Avoidance Behavior: Actions taken to prevent situations that may exacerbate insomnia, such as avoiding stimulants.
15. Auditory Hallucinations: Sensory experiences that can occur during the night, potentially disrupting sleep.
16. Alpha Waves: Brain waves associated with relaxed wakefulness, which may indicate difficulty transitioning to sleep.
17. Antidepressants: Medications that can impact sleep patterns either positively or negatively, depending on the type.
18. Anxiolytics: Medications that reduce anxiety and may help improve sleep quality.
19. Arthritis Pain: Chronic pain from arthritis can result in sleep disturbances and contribute to insomnia.
20. Adaptive Sleep Strategies: Techniques or strategies used to improve sleep hygiene and manage insomnia symptoms.
21. Acute Insomnia: Short-term episodes of insomnia that typically last less than three months.
22. Awareness: The level of consciousness and perception regarding one’s ability to sleep, which can affect sleep quality.
23. Amnesia: Memory issues that can occur from inadequate sleep, affecting cognitive function.
24. All-nighter: Staying awake for an entire night, often leading to subsequent sleep difficulties.
25. Alpha-1 Blockers: Medications that can affect sleep and may be used in treating certain conditions that interrupt sleep.
26. Ambient Light: Surrounding light that can influence the body’s ability to produce melatonin, affecting sleep onset.
27. Avalon Sleep Index: A tool used to assess sleep quality and disturbances.
28. Addiction: Dependence on substances that can negatively affect sleep quality and patterns.
29. Artificial Light: Man-made light that can interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm and the production of melatonin.
30. Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies that can cause nasal congestion and affect sleep quality.
31. Adjustment Disorder: A stress-related condition that can lead to sleep disturbances, including insomnia.
32. Alternate Sleep Schedule: A sleep pattern in which individuals sleep at non-traditional times, potentially contributing to insomnia.
33. Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Medications that might alleviate pain and improve sleep quality for people with conditions that disrupt sleep.
34. Awake Periods: Times during the night when a person wakes up but does not fall back asleep quickly, affecting overall sleep duration.
35. Adult Circadian Rhythms: The natural body clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles in adults.
36. Antihistamines: Over-the-counter medications that may induce drowsiness but can also lead to disturbed sleep if taken improperly.
37. Alzheimer’s Disease: A condition that can lead to sleep problems and confusion, often resulting in insomnia.
38. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder that may contribute to sleep difficulties and insomnia.
39. Autonomic Nervous System: A part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary functions, which can affect sleep.
40. Affective Disorders: Mental health conditions, such as depression, that can significantly impact sleep patterns and quality.
41. Activity Diary: A record kept by individuals to track their sleep patterns, habits, and behaviors.
42. Abnormal Sleep Behavior: Unusual actions or movements during sleep that can negatively impact sleep quality.
43. Anesthetics: Substances used to induce a lack of sensation or consciousness, which can have sedative effects.
44. Auditory Stimuli: Sounds that can influence sleep, either by soothing or causing disturbances.
45. Acupressure: A traditional healing technique that may help alleviate insomnia symptoms for some individuals.
46. Awakening Response: The body’s reaction to waking, which can be affected by sleep quality and duration.
47. Animal Studies: Research conducted on animals that helps professionals understand sleep mechanisms and insomnia treatments.
48. Aging: A process that can naturally alter sleep patterns and increase susceptibility to insomnia.
49. Affect (Emotion): Emotional states that can influence sleep quality, potentially leading to insomnia.
50. Absorption: The assimilation of nutrients or medications that might affect energy levels and sleep.
51. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE): Early traumatic events that can impact long-term mental health and sleep patterns.
52. Adaptive Capacity: The ability of an individual to adjust to changes in circumstances, including those affecting sleep.
53. Amniotic Fluid Studies: Research related to fetal health that may reveal insights into sleep development and disorders.
54. Alternative Therapies: Non-conventional methods used to manage insomnia, including mindfulness and yoga.
55. Amphetamines: Stimulants that can lead to alertness, potentially causing insomnia.
56. Acclimatization: The body’s adjustment to environmental changes, which can influence sleep patterns when traveling.
57. Manifest Anxiety: Observable anxiety that can have a direct effect on sleep quality.
58. Antioxidants: Compounds that may influence overall health and could indirectly affect sleep quality.
59. Anxiety Disorders: Conditions characterized by excessive worry or fear, often associated with sleep disturbances.
60. Active Sleep (REM sleep): A stage of sleep where dreaming occurs and the brain is active, which can impact sleep quality.
61. Arthritis: A condition that can cause chronic pain, leading to sleep disturbances and insomnia.
62. Alleles: Variants of a gene that may influence an individual’s sleep patterns or response to insomnia treatments.
63. Adaptogenic Herbs: Natural substances believed to help the body adapt to stress, potentially improving sleep.
64. Acid Reflux: A condition that may cause discomfort during the night, contributing to insomnia.
65. Aggressive Sleep Interventions: Intensive treatment methods designed to tackle severe insomnia.
66. Arousal Threshold: The level of stimulation required to wake a person from sleep, which can vary from person to person.
67. Autohypnosis: A self-induced state of relaxation that may aid in addressing sleep issues.
68. Arousal Disorders: Conditions characterized by inappropriate episodes of arousal during sleep, affecting overall sleep quality.
69. Appetite Regulation: Processes influenced by sleep that can affect overall health and well-being.
70. Anxiety Levels: The degree of anxiety that can interfere with the ability to fall or stay asleep.
71. Anti-Snoring Devices: Products designed to prevent snoring, which can disrupt sleep for both the snorer and their partner.
72. Aging Effects: Changes in sleep patterns linked to the aging process that may lead to sleeplessness.
73. Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medicine technique that may help alleviate insomnia symptoms.
74. Awakening Time: The specific time a person wakes up, compared to their intended wake time, affecting overall sleep quality.
75. Afternoon Naps: Short periods of sleep during the day, which can impact nighttime sleep if too long or too close to bedtime.
76. Anxiety-Induced Insomnia: Sleeplessness caused primarily by feelings of anxiety and worry.
77. Auditory Desensitization: A therapeutic process aimed at reducing sensitivity to sounds that may disturb sleep.
78. Atypical Insomnia: Sleep disturbances that do not fit typical patterns of insomnia, often requiring specialized treatment.
79. Adipose Tissue: Body fat that can influence sleep quality and metabolic processes affecting sleep.
80. Adjustment Sleep Disorder: Sleep disturbances that arise from changes in life circumstances or environmental stressors.
81. Activated Charcoal: A substance some people use for digestive health, which may inadvertently affect sleep.
82. Alleviation Techniques: Methods to reduce symptoms of insomnia, improving overall quality of sleep.
83. Anesthetics: Substances used to induce sleep or sedation, often in a medical setting.
84. Autonomic Dysregulation: Impaired functioning of the autonomic nervous system that may lead to sleep problems.
85. Availability Heuristic: A mental shortcut that might affect perceptions about sleep needs and quality.
86. Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Withdrawal effects from stopping antidepressants that can include sleep disturbances.
87. Abnormal Sleep Architecture: Deviations from the typical sleep stages and patterns, which can indicate sleep disorders.
88. Affect Regulation: The ability to manage emotions, which can impact sleep quality.
89. Asthma: A respiratory condition that can lead to sleep disturbances due to difficulty breathing at night.
90. Augmented Sleep: Sleep enhanced by techniques or interventions aimed at promoting better quality rest.
91. Awareness Techniques: Mindfulness or meditation strategies designed to enhance sleep quality and address insomnia.
92. Acute Stress Reaction: Temporary stress responses that can disrupt sleep patterns and cause insomnia.
93. Attentional Bias: A cognitive tendency that can cause a person to focus excessively on the inability to sleep, worsening insomnia.
94. Arsenic Exposure: Environmental toxins that might have health effects, including on sleep.
95. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions in which the immune system attacks the body, potentially affecting sleep.
96. Assisted Sleep Devices: Technologies or gadgets, such as white noise machines, designed to aid sleep.
97. Activity-Tracker Discrepancies: Differences in sleep data reported by fitness trackers versus subjective experiences of sleep quality.
98. Affecting Circadian Rhythms: Factors that can impact the body’s internal clock and overall sleep patterns.
99. Alpha-EEG Pattern: Brainwave activity typically observed during relaxed states, which may also indicate difficulty achieving deeper sleep.
100. Aripiprazole: A medication that may affect sleep and is used in various psychiatric disorders.