Transient (short-term) insomnia
Also known as transient insomnia, short-term insomnia is usually caused by stressful/anxiety-producing events, hormonal fluctuations, jet lag, or environmental disturbances. Short-term insomnia can last anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks.

Chronic (long-term) insomnia
Long-term, or chronic, insomnia is sometimes related to hormonal fluctuations, aging, medical conditions and treatment, or psychiatric illness, but sometimes it's not related to any of these things and exists by itself. Long-term insomnia usually occurs at least 3 days a week and lasts 1 month or more. If left untreated, long-term insomnia may not go away on its own and may even get worse.

Primary insomnia

• Sleep disorders that rise from abnormalities in internal sleep-wake or timing mechanisms

Secondary insomnia

• Sleep disorders related to a mental disorder, often depression or anxiety
• Sleep disorders due to a medical condition (e.g., arthritis, asthma, cancer)
• Substance-induced sleep disorders, associated with the use of caffeine, alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medications, or illegal drugs

Insomnia should be addressed
According to the National Sleep Foundation, insomnia should be treated whether or not there are other co-existing medical conditions. Insomnia has its own set of symptoms (daytime and nighttime ones) so only treating the other medical condition, without specifically addressing those directly related to sleep, may not improve insomnia.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
Lunesta helps you fall asleep quickly, so take it right before bed. Be sure you have at least eight hours to devote to sleep before becoming active. Until you know how you'll react to Lunesta, you should not drive or operate machinery. Do not take Lunesta with alcohol. Call your doctor right away if after taking Lunesta you walk, drive, eat or engage in other activities while asleep. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions can occur. Most sleep medicines carry some risk of dependency. Do not use sleep medicines for extended periods without first talking to your doctor. Side effects may include unpleasant taste, headache, drowsiness and dizziness. For more information, please see the Lunesta Medication Guide.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a health care provider. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a health care provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient. Lunesta is a medicine used to treat Insomnia. Remember that no medicine is for everyone. Only your doctor can prescribe Lunesta for you.