Insomnia

What is it?

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting roughly one-third of adults. It is defined not only by poor sleep but by daytime consequences: fatigue, impaired concentration, mood disturbance, and reduced performance. Acute insomnia (days to weeks) is often triggered by stress, illness, or life events. Chronic insomnia (≥3 nights/week for ≥3 months) frequently has a psychological component — worry about sleep itself perpetuates wakefulness. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold-standard first-line treatment, superior to medication in the long run.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1Insomnia persists for more than 3 weeks despite good sleep hygiene
• 2You are relying on alcohol or sleep aids regularly to fall asleep
• 3Daytime functioning is significantly impaired — affecting work, driving, or relationships
• 4You snore loudly, stop breathing during sleep, or wake gasping (possible sleep apnea)
• 5Insomnia accompanies depression, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms
• 6You have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs at night (restless leg syndrome)

What you can do

• ✓Keep a fixed wake-up time every day — even on weekends — to anchor your circadian rhythm
• ✓Get out of bed if awake for more than 20 minutes; return only when sleepy (stimulus control)
• ✓Avoid screens (phone, TV, laptop) for at least 30–60 minutes before bed
• ✓Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet; use white noise if needed
• ✓Avoid alcohol — it fragments sleep in the second half of the night
• ✓CBT-I (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) is more effective than medication long-term and available via apps like Sleepio

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions