What is insomnia?
Insomnia is defined by symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, inability to return to sleep after waking, or early morning awakening. It is classified as either short-term (lasting days to months) or chronic (persisting three months or longer).
What causes insomnia?
Causes include stress from relationships, finances, or work; lifestyle factors like caffeine consumption, heavy meals, alcohol, or excessive screen time; and underlying conditions such as sleep apnea, heart failure, chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, and mental health disorders. Half of all those with insomnia also have anxiety, depression, and stress.
How is insomnia treated?
Treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), described as the gold standard treatment, which encompasses:
- Thought management
- Stress management
- Stimulus control
- Relaxation training
- Sleep hygiene restoration
- Acceptance techniques
- Sleep restriction
Prescription medications may provide short-term relief but carry dependence risks and side effects.