What is insomnia? Insomnia is a sleep disorder involving difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or obtaining restorative sleep despite an adequate opportunity to sleep.
What is insomnia? Daytime effects matter too
The condition is not defined only by time spent awake at night. Daytime fatigue, irritability, concentration problems, low energy or worry about sleep can be part of the picture.
Short-term and chronic insomnia
Short-term insomnia can follow stress, illness, travel or schedule changes. Chronic insomnia persists and may involve learned sleep patterns, mental-health conditions, pain, medicines, substances or other sleep disorders.
Common contributors
Caffeine, alcohol, irregular schedules, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, menopause, medical illness and certain medicines can contribute. Sleep apnea and restless legs can also present as poor sleep but need different treatment.
How insomnia is treated
Treatment can include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, sleep-habit changes and medication in selected circumstances. Chronic insomnia often benefits from addressing behaviors and beliefs that perpetuate poor sleep.
When evaluation is important
Seek assessment when poor sleep is persistent, causes significant daytime impairment, or is associated with loud snoring, breathing pauses, unusual movements, severe mood symptoms or other concerning signs.
When insomnia deserves professional evaluation
Short periods of poor sleep are common, but persistent insomnia can be associated with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, medicines, substance use, sleep apnea, restless legs or other conditions. Evaluation is especially important when daytime sleepiness creates driving or work risks, when loud snoring or breathing pauses are reported, or when sleep problems continue despite reasonable changes in sleep habits.
A sleep diary can reveal useful patterns
Recording bedtime, estimated sleep time, awakenings, wake time, naps, caffeine, alcohol and major symptoms for a short period can help a clinician understand the pattern. A diary is not a diagnosis, but it can make the conversation more specific and reduce reliance on memory when sleep varies from night to night.
Related Information
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