Definition: Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects a person’s ability to initiate or maintain sleep, leading to inadequate or poor-quality sleep.

Types: It can be classified as acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) based on its duration and frequency.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep, and experiencing non-restorative sleep.

Causes: Insomnia can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, medications, caffeine, irregular sleep schedule, and medical conditions.

Impact: Chronic insomnia can have a significant impact on daily functioning, causing daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, mood disturbances, and reduced productivity.

Diagnosis: Doctors diagnose insomnia through a comprehensive evaluation of sleep patterns, medical history, and sometimes with the help of sleep studies.

Treatment: Treatment options for insomnia may include lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia, and in some cases, medications.

Sleep hygiene: Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and limiting stimulants, can help improve sleep quality.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): CBT-I is a non-medication treatment that helps individuals change behaviors and thoughts that contribute to sleep problems.

Medications: In certain situations, doctors may prescribe medications to help with insomnia, but these are typically recommended for short-term use due to the risk of dependency and side effects.