Insomnia
Eyes wide, mind racing—sleep's just out of reach.
What is Insomnia?
A common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to return to sleep—even when the opportunity for rest is available.
People with insomnia often feel tired during the day, experience mood disturbances, and struggle with concentration or memory.
Types of Insomnia
- Acute Insomnia: Short-term, often triggered by stress or life events; lasts days to weeks
- Chronic Insomnia: Occurs at least three nights per week for three months or more
- Sleep-onset Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep
- Sleep-maintenance Insomnia: Difficulty staying asleep
- Mixed Insomnia: Combination of onset and maintenance issues
- Paradoxical Insomnia: Perceived lack of sleep despite normal sleep patterns
Common Symptoms
- Trouble falling asleep at night (sleep-onset insomnia)
- Frequent awakenings during the night (sleep-maintenance insomnia)
- Waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep
- Feeling tired or unrefreshed upon waking
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
- Mood disturbances such as anxiety, depression, or irritability
- Increased errors or accidents due to impaired alertness
- Ongoing worry or stress about sleep
Causes
Insomnia can be primary (not linked to other health issues) or secondary (caused by another condition). Common causes include:
- Stress: Work, relationships, financial concerns, or major life changes
- Poor sleep habits: Irregular sleep schedules, screen time before bed, or uncomfortable sleep environments
- Mental health conditions: Anxiety, depression, PTSD
- Medical conditions: Chronic pain, asthma, GERD, menopause
- Medications: Certain antidepressants, stimulants, or corticosteroids
- Substance use: Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine
- Circadian rhythm disruptions: Jet lag, shift work, or irregular sleep-wake cycles
Insomnia isn’t just about sleepless nights—it’s about how those nights affect your days. If it’s interfering with your life, a sleep study can help uncover the cause and guide effective treatment.
