Insomnia
Insomnia: When Sleep Becomes a Struggle
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or get good-quality sleep, even when you have enough time and an appropriate environment for sleeping.
Insomnia can be short-term or long-term and may affect your energy, concentration, mood and daily activities.
Common Symptoms
You may experience:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up repeatedly during the night
- Waking too early and being unable to fall back asleep
- Feeling unrefreshed after sleep
- Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
In many cases, the person may not realize that their breathing is stopping during sleep. A bed partner or family member may notice the symptoms first.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Insomnia can be associated with:
- Stress or anxiety
- Changes in daily routine
- Work or shift schedules
- Travel or jet lag
- Excessive screen use before bedtime
- Caffeine or nicotine
- Alcohol
- Certain medications
- Other medical or sleep conditions
How Is Insomnia Evaluated?
A healthcare professional may ask about your sleep pattern, lifestyle, medical history and medications.
Keeping a Sleep Diary can also help identify patterns in your sleep and provide useful information during a medical evaluation.
Tips for Better Sleep
- Maintain a consistent sleep and wake schedule
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and comfortable
- Reduce screen exposure before bedtime
- Limit caffeine, nicotine and alcohol near bedtime
- Exercise regularly during the day
- Avoid unnecessary daytime naps
- Develop a relaxing bedtime routine
- Manage stress and allow time to wind down
Treatment
For long-term insomnia, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is commonly recommended as a first-line treatment. Depending on the individual situation, a healthcare professional may consider other treatment options.
Better Sleep Starts with Understanding the Problem
Persistent sleep difficulties should not simply be ignored. Identifying the underlying cause can help guide appropriate care.
