What is insomnia?
Have you ever struggled for hours to fall asleep, woken up much too early or been unable to get back to sleep after awakening in the middle of the night? These bouts of sleep loss are called insomnia. A person with insomnia does not feel refreshed by their fractured or insufficient sleep.
Isolated incidents of lost sleep that span no more than a few days are known as "acute" insomnia. Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, is when you struggle to get sufficient sleep for at least three nights per week, for three months or longer. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder among people ages 60 and older — and about 10% of people globally experience chronic insomnia at some point during their lifetimes.
Causes of insomnia vary. Insomnia can be driven by stress, physical pain or anxiety. Lack of exercise and excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol or tobacco can also compromise restful sleep. Having an irregular sleep schedule — going to bed at different times or napping during the day — can also trigger insomnia, as can taking medications that increase heart rate or reduce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. Genetics, certain medical conditions and certain mental health disorders can also be a factor.
Maintaining a dark and peaceful sleep environment and avoiding habits that can disrupt sleep can help resolve acute insomnia. For chronic insomnia, consulting with a health care professional can help address underlying medical issues that may be disrupting and preventing sleep.
