Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. If a person has insomnia, they may also wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep.

Generally, adults need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep in every 24-hour period, depending on their age. Getting sufficient sleep is vital for maintaining good mental and physical health. However, insomnia is a common sleep problem that can disrupt how much sleep a person gets.

When insomnia lasts for up to a few weeks, a health expert may refer to it as acute insomnia. When it lasts for 3 months or longer, it is known as chronic insomnia. Short-term insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other problems. In the long term, it may increase the risk of various diseases.

What does it mean to be ‘an insomniac’?

Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint. A person with insomnia has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. They may consistently wake up too early. Sleep deprivation can lead to issues such as:

• daytime sleepiness and lethargy
• a general feeling of being mentally and physically unwell
• mood changes, irritability, and anxiety

Also, the issues above can contribute to insomnia — they may be causes, effects, or both.

In addition, insomnia may play a role in the development of:

• obesity
• anxiety
• accidents and injury

It can also undermine school and work performance and limit a person’s ability to do daily activities.

Causes of insomnia

Insomnia can result from a range of physical and psychological factors. Often, the cause is a temporary problem, such as short-term stress. In some other instances, insomnia stems from an underlying medical condition.

Common causes include:

• having jet lag, switching shifts at work, or dealing with any other changes to the body’s internal clock
• the room being too hot, cold, or noisy, or the bed being uncomfortable
• caring for someone in the house, if it disrupts sleep
• getting too little physical exercise
• having night terrors or bad dreams
• using recreational drugs, such as cocaine or ecstasy

In some people, stress or a mental health issue is responsible for insomnia. A person may be experiencing:

• depression
• anxiety
• bipolar disorder
• schizophrenia

Some other health conditions that can limit sleep include:

• an overactive thyroid
• sleep apnea
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• chronic pain
• Alzheimer’s disease

In rare cases, some people may inherit a condition known as fatal familial insomnia. This genetic condition can cause sleep problems and brain damage that eventually lead to death.

Symptoms of insomnia

Apart from disrupted sleep, insomnia can lead other issues, such as:

• daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• irritability, depression, or anxiety
• low motivation or energy
• poor concentration and focus
• a lack of coordination and rash actions, which can lead to errors or accidents Y
• concerns or frustrations about sleeping
• poor performance at school or work
• difficulty socializing, working, or studying

Treatments

The best approach can depend on the underlying cause and the type of insomnia, but some options include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• prescription medications
• over-the-counter sleep aids
• melatonin

However, there is not enough strong evidence to prove that melatonin helps with sleep.

Frequently asked questions

Some FAQs about insomnia may include:

How do you fix insomnia?

There are several strategies and treatments available for insomnia. This can include a combination of improving sleeping hygiene, CBT, and medications.

Will insomnia ever go away?

The length of time a person experiences difficulty with sleep will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of insomnia.

Lifestyle modifications may help alleviate acute insomnia, which should relieve stress within a few weeks. However, if a person experiences disruptive sleep for 3 months of longer, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.

Read on to learn more about insomnia duration.

What is the main cause of insomnia?

Many different factors can trigger insomnia. These can vary between people and it may not always be possible to identify a clear cause. However, some common causes of insomnia include stress, anxiety, and depression.

What is life like for someone with insomnia?

Along with difficulty sleeping, insomnia may cause a person to feel irritable, sad, unrested, and experience headaches. It may also impact concentration and increase the risk of an accident. Chronic insomnia can also affect how well the brain, heart, and other parts of the body work.

Takeaway

Insomnia is a common problem. It can result from a range of issues, which may involve physical or mental health. In some cases, they are environmental or relate to lifestyle factors, such as shift work and caffeine or alcohol use.

A lack of sleep can lead to a variety of problems, ranging from mild tiredness to chronic illness.

Anyone who experiences ongoing trouble sleeping and feels that it is affecting their daily life should consult a doctor, who can help identify the cause and recommend a solution.

Conclusion

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