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Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested. People with insomnia often have trouble sleeping even when they have enough time and the right environment for sleep. This can affect daily life, mood, and overall quality of life.

There are different types of insomnia:

  • Short-term insomnia (acute insomnia): lasts a few days or weeks and is often linked to stress or life events.
  • Chronic insomnia: happens at least three nights a week for three months or longer.
  • Primary insomnia: not directly caused by another health issue.
  • Insomnia related to other medical conditions or mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.

Insomnia affects people of all ages but is more common in older adults, people who work shift work, and those with changes in their circadian rhythm, like jet lag or travel across time zones.

What causes insomnia?

Common causes include:

  • Stress and life events, such as work pressure, grief, or major changes.
  • Poor sleep habits, like irregular sleep times, too much screen use, or frequent naps.
  • Mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, heart disease, asthma, or thyroid problems.
  • Other sleep disorders, like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.
  • Hormonal changes, including menopause.
  • Medications or side effects from drugs like antidepressants or stimulants.
  • Use of caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine.
  • Changes in sleep-wake cycles from shift work or travel.

These factors can disrupt normal sleep patterns and lower overall sleep quality.

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

The symptoms of insomnia can affect both nighttime sleep and daytime functioning.

Common symptoms include:

  • Trouble falling asleep at night.
  • Waking up often during the night.
  • Waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep.
  • Feeling tired or not refreshed after sleep.
  • Difficulty sleeping even when tired.
  • Daytime sleepiness or low energy.
  • Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions.
  • Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or low mood.
  • Reduced performance at work or school.

Over time, lack of sleep can affect physical health, including blood pressure and overall well-being.

How is insomnia diagnosed?

A health care provider will assess your sleep concerns and overall health to diagnose insomnia.

Diagnosis may include:

  • A review of your sleep history and sleep habits.
  • Questions about your symptoms, daily routine, and mental health.
  • A physical exam to check for underlying health issues.
  • Sleep tracking, such as a sleep diary, to monitor sleep patterns.
  • In some cases, a sleep study is conducted to look for other sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

Your provider may also refer you to a sleep specialist if needed.

How is insomnia treated?

Insomnia treatment focuses on improving sleep and addressing the cause. Treatment options may include:

Lifestyle and sleep changes

  • Practicing good sleep habits, such as going to bed at the same time each night.
  • Creating a calm and comfortable sleep environment.
  • Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and screen time before bed.
  • Avoiding long daytime naps.
  • Supporting healthy sleep routines.

Therapy

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line treatment recommended by experts like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
  • This type of CBT helps change thoughts and behaviors that affect sleep.

Medications and supplements

Medications may be used for short-term relief or when other treatments are not enough. A health care provider will help decide what is safest for you.

Common prescription sleep medicine options include:

  • Z-drugs such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata) can help with falling and staying asleep.
  • Benzodiazepines such as temazepam (Restoril) are sometimes used for short-term treatment.
  • Ramelteon (Rozerem): Works on melatonin receptors to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
  • Certain antidepressants (such as trazodone or doxepin) are sometimes used for sleep, especially if mental health conditions are present.
  • Over-the-counter sleep aids or melatonin supplements, with guidance from a provider.

These medications can have side effects such as daytime drowsiness, dizziness, or dependence, so they are usually recommended for short-term use.

Treating underlying conditions

  • Managing related mental health conditions or medical conditions like chronic pain, menopause, or thyroid problems.

Treatment plans are personalized and may combine several approaches to improve sleep and overall quality of life.

Sources

– <a href=”https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12119-insomnia“>Insomnia. Cleveland Clinic.</a> Accessed April 27, 2026.

– <a href=”https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355167“>Insomnia. Mayo Clinic.</a> Accessed April 27, 2026.

– <a href=”https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia“>What Is Insomnia? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH).</a> Accessed April 27, 2026.

– <a href=”https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh1001“>Insomnia. MyHealthAlberta.</a> Accessed April 27, 2026.