Insomnia is the inability of an individual to go to sleep, stay asleep or a combination of both aspects of sleeplessness. Insomnia is, in its simplest form, a fairly common condition experienced by a multitude of people. When defining insomnia it is important to remember that insomnia is not measured in terms of actual hours spent sleeping, but whether the person feels refreshed and renewed following their night's sleep.

When speaking about the symptoms of insomnia it is critical to realize that insomnia itself is a symptom of other existing conditions within an individual. Therefore, insomnia can be experienced by an individual who is undergoing stress, a change in their schedule, their dietary habits or a physical condition that may disrupt the individual's sleep. Such a condition could be restless legs syndrome.

When endeavoring to ascertain whether a person is experiencing insomnia or not, it is important to recognize some of the symptoms of insomnia. Some of the symptoms of insomnia can be demonstrated as it takes its toll on the body, mind and the emotions.

The Physical Body

The health of the physical body is contingent upon a number of factors. Some of those factors include a proper diet, exercise and proper hygiene. Another important factor in maintaining the health of the human body is by obtaining a proper night's sleep.

When a person is experiencing insomnia this condition disrupts the renewing effects that gaining a proper night's sleep has on the physical body. Therefore, some of the symptoms of insomnia can include fatigue, headaches and, in some severe cases, can lead to heart problems.

The Mind

Other symptoms of insomnia can include its effects on the mind. When the proper rest is not achieved there can be a corresponding detrimental effect on the mind's ability to react, respond, think, etc. This adverse symptom of insomnia can be a dangerous situation when trying to function at work, drive a vehicle or conduct other required duties.

The Emotions

Additional symptoms of insomnia can be the affect that the lack of sleep can have on the emotions. The lack of a proper night's sleep can cause stress, depression and anxiety. In addition, a symptom of insomnia can cause substantial mood swings in the life of the insomniac.

All of these symptoms of insomnia can cause additional stress in the life of the individual as well as spill over to those closest around them.