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Insomnia

Show Alternative Names
Sleep disorder - insomnia
Sleep issues
Difficulty falling asleep
Sleep hygiene - insomnia

Insomnia is trouble falling asleep, staying asleep (usually through the night), or waking up too early in the morning.

Episodes of insomnia may come and go or be long-lasting.

The quality of your sleep is as important as how much sleep you get.

Insomnia - Animation

Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? Or, do you go to sleep, only to wake up a few hours later and stay awake for hours at night? Well, let's today talk about insomnia. Your sleep-wake cycle is a delicate pattern run by something called circadian rhythms. These rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes in your brain that roughly follow a 24-hour cycle. Your daily and nightly habits, many you learned as a child, may affect your circadian rhythms and how well you sleep at night. Poor sleep or lifestyle habits that may cause insomnia include going to bed at different times each night, daytime napping, and a poor sleeping environment such as too much noise or light. Spending too much in time in bed while you're awake can change your sleep patterns too. Likewise, working evenings or night shifts and not getting enough exercise can affect your sleep. People who use alcohol or recreational drugs may have trouble sleeping. Heavy smoking and drinking too much caffeine can also cause insomnia. And, even using some types of sleep medications a lot can cause you to lose sleep. Medical problems can cause insomnia too. People with anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, thyroid disease, depression, and chronic pain problems may have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep. So, what do you do about insomnia? Well, it's important to remember that not everyone needs 8 hours of sleep every night. Some people do just fine on 6 hours of sleep, while others need much more. If you need more sleep, your doctor will probably ask about any medications you're taking, your drug or alcohol use, and your medical history. Spend some time thinking about your lifestyle and sleep habits. It's best to avoid caffeine and alcohol at night. If you don't exercise, starting regular exercise might help you sleep better. If you're depressed or anxious, talk to your doctor to see if relaxation techniques can help, if medication might be helpful, or if seeing a mental health provider is best. If you're suffering from bouts of insomnia, take heart. Most people can return to more normal sleep patterns when they make simple changes in their lifestyle or habits.

Sleep Myths & Facts Quiz

  • What percent of adults are getting 6 hours or less of sleep each night?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is 30%. Nearly 30% of adults sleep an average of 6 hours or less each night. If you’re getting less than 7 - 9 hours of sleep each night, talk to your doctor about how you can get more sleep.

  • Lack of sleep is linked to which of the following?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Lack of sleep can cause you to nod off while driving or lose focus at work. This can lead to serious accidents and work errors. Do not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or try to do difficult or risky tasks when you are tired.

  • Getting too little sleep puts you at risk for:

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Over time, not getting enough sleep can harm your health. People who don't get enough sleep are more likely to have the health problems listed above, and may die earlier than people who get enough sleep.

  • Which of the following is NOT a good sleep habit?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is sleeping in on the weekends. You'll sleep better if you go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, even on weekends. Also be sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Talk with your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping.

  • You need the same amount of sleep throughout your lifespan.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is false. Sleep patterns change with age. Plus, not everyone needs the same amount of sleep. Children 5-10 years old should get 10-11 hours of sleep daily, teens 10-17 years old need 8.5-9 hours, and adults need about 7-9 hours.

  • Which of the following can make it hard to get to sleep and stay asleep?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Insomnia occurs when you have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. The factors listed above all make it harder to sleep. Try making some changes in your TV watching, exercise, and sleep habits, and see what works for you.

  • Sleeping pills are the best treatment for insomnia.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is false. Sleeping pills don't treat the underlying cause of your sleeping problems, but they may help you get some rest. Changing the habits that make it hard to sleep works for most people. Talk to your doctor to find out which approach is best for you.

  • Getting less than 8 hours of sleep at night is bad for your health.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is false. Different people have different sleep needs. Some people only need 6 hours of sleep each night. Others need 9 hours of sleep to work at their best. Find out if you need more sleep by paying attention to how sleepy or tired you are during the day.

  • Some people stop breathing while they’re asleep.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. If you stop breathing while you’re sleeping, you may have a condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes your breathing to stop and start. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. If you’re getting enough sleep but still feel sleepy during the day, ask your doctor if you might have sleep apnea.

  • Which of the following is a symptom of sleep apnea?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. If you notice symptoms of sleep apnea, talk with your doctor. Losing weight can decrease the number of apnea spells you have during the night. Your doctor will talk with you about other treatments, including using a machine to help you breathe while you sleep.

  • Which group of people is at risk for sleep apnea?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Being overweight can make your airways narrower, so it's harder to breathe when you are asleep and your mouth and throat relax. So can enlarged tonsils. Men are also more likely to get sleep apnea.

  • Drinking alcohol before bed will help you sleep better.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is false. Drinking alcohol might make you sleepy, but it keeps you from getting deep sleep. If you have sleep apnea, drinking alcohol can make symptoms worse. You should avoid alcohol close to bedtime.

Causes

Sleep habits we learned as children may affect our sleep behaviors as adults. Poor sleep or lifestyle habits that may cause insomnia or make it worse include:

  • Going to bed at a different time each night
  • Daytime napping
  • Poor sleeping environment, such as too much noise or light
  • Spending too much time in bed while awake
  • Working evenings or night shifts
  • Not getting enough exercise
  • Using the television, computer, or a mobile device in bed

The use of some medicines and substances may also affect sleep, including:

  • Alcohol or other substances
  • Heavy smoking
  • Too much caffeine throughout the day or consuming caffeine late in the day
  • Getting used to certain types of sleep medicines
  • Some cold medicines and diet pills
  • Other medicines, herbs, or supplements

Physical, social, and mental health issues can affect sleep patterns, including:

  • Bipolar disorder.
  • Feeling sad or depressed. (Often, insomnia is the symptom that causes people with depression to seek medical help.)
  • Stress and anxiety, whether it is short-term or long-term. For some people, the stress and anxiety caused by insomnia makes it even harder to fall asleep.

Health problems may also lead to problems sleeping and insomnia:

  • Pregnancy
  • Physical pain or discomfort.
  • Waking up at night to use the bathroom, common in men with enlarged prostate
  • Sleep apnea

With age, sleep patterns tend to change. Many people find that aging causes them to have a harder time falling asleep, and that they wake up more often.

Symptoms

The most common complaints or symptoms in people with insomnia are:

  • Trouble falling asleep on most nights
  • Feeling tired during the day or falling asleep during the day
  • Not feeling refreshed when you wake up
  • Waking up several times during sleep

People who have insomnia are sometimes consumed by the thought of getting enough sleep. But the more they try to sleep, the more frustrated and upset they get, and the harder sleep becomes.

Lack of restful sleep can:

  • Make you tired and unfocused, so it is hard to do daily activities.
  • Put you at risk for auto accidents. If you are driving and feel sleepy, pull over and take a break.

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your current medicines, drug and substance use, and medical history. Usually, these are the only methods needed to diagnose insomnia.

Treatment

Different people have different sleep needs. Some people do fine on 6 hours of sleep a night. Others only do well if they get 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night. Research indicates that adults should get 7 to 9 hours sleep per night.

Treatment often begins by reviewing any medicines or health problems that may be causing or worsen insomnia, such as:

  • Enlarged prostate gland or any other medical condition, causing men to wake up at night to urinate
  • Pain or discomfort from muscle, joint, or nerve disorders, such as arthritis and Parkinson disease
  • Other medical conditions, such as acid reflux, allergies, and thyroid problems
  • Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety

You should also think about lifestyle and sleep habits that may affect your sleep. This is called sleep hygiene. Making some changes in your sleep habits may improve or solve your insomnia.

Some people may need medicines to help with sleep for a short period of time. But in the long run, making changes in your lifestyle and sleep habits is the best treatment for problems with falling and staying asleep.

  • Most over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills contain antihistamines. These medicines are commonly used to treat allergies. Your body quickly becomes used to them.
  • Sleep medicines called hypnotics can be prescribed by your provider to help reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep. Most of these can become habit-forming.
  • Medicines used to treat anxiety or depression can also help with sleep

Different methods of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), may help you gain control over anxiety or depression.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most people are able to sleep by practicing good sleep hygiene.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if insomnia has become a problem.

Review Date: 5/4/2024

Reviewed By

Fred K. Berger, MD, addiction and forensic psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

References

Anderson KN. Insomnia and cognitive behavioural therapy-how to assess your patient and why it should be a standard part of care. J Thorac Dis. 2018;10(Suppl 1):S94-S102. PMID: 29445533 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29445533/.

Avidan AY. Sleep and its disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 101.

Vaughn BV, Basner RC. Sleep disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 374.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Insomnia - Animation

Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? Or, do you go to sleep, only to wake up a few hours later and stay awake for hours at night? Well, let's today talk about insomnia.

Your sleep-wake cycle is a delicate pattern run by something called circadian rhythms. These rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes in your brain that roughly follow a 24-hour cycle. Your daily and nightly habits, many you learned as a child, may affect your circadian rhythms and how well you sleep at night.

Poor sleep or lifestyle habits that may cause insomnia include going to bed at different times each night, daytime napping, and a poor sleeping environment such as too much noise or light. Spending too much in time in bed while you're awake can change your sleep patterns too. Likewise, working evenings or night shifts and not getting enough exercise can affect your sleep.

People who use alcohol or recreational drugs may have trouble sleeping. Heavy smoking and drinking too much caffeine can also cause insomnia. And, even using some types of sleep medications a lot can cause you to lose sleep.

Medical problems can cause insomnia too. People with anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, thyroid disease, depression, and chronic pain problems may have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep.

So, what do you do about insomnia? Well, it's important to remember that not everyone needs 8 hours of sleep every night. Some people do just fine on 6 hours of sleep, while others need much more.

If you need more sleep, your doctor will probably ask about any medications you're taking, your drug or alcohol use, and your medical history. Spend some time thinking about your lifestyle and sleep habits. It's best to avoid caffeine and alcohol at night. If you don't exercise, starting regular exercise might help you sleep better. If you're depressed or anxious, talk to your doctor to see if relaxation techniques can help, if medication might be helpful, or if seeing a mental health provider is best.

If you are suffering from bouts of insomnia, take heart. Most people can return to more normal sleep patterns when they make simple changes in their lifestyle or habits.

 

Insomnia - Animation

Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? Or, do you go to sleep, only to wake up a few hours later and stay awake for hours at night? Well, let's today talk about insomnia.

Your sleep-wake cycle is a delicate pattern run by something called circadian rhythms. These rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes in your brain that roughly follow a 24-hour cycle. Your daily and nightly habits, many you learned as a child, may affect your circadian rhythms and how well you sleep at night.

Poor sleep or lifestyle habits that may cause insomnia include going to bed at different times each night, daytime napping, and a poor sleeping environment such as too much noise or light. Spending too much in time in bed while you're awake can change your sleep patterns too. Likewise, working evenings or night shifts and not getting enough exercise can affect your sleep.

People who use alcohol or recreational drugs may have trouble sleeping. Heavy smoking and drinking too much caffeine can also cause insomnia. And, even using some types of sleep medications a lot can cause you to lose sleep.

Medical problems can cause insomnia too. People with anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, thyroid disease, depression, and chronic pain problems may have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep.

So, what do you do about insomnia? Well, it's important to remember that not everyone needs 8 hours of sleep every night. Some people do just fine on 6 hours of sleep, while others need much more.

If you need more sleep, your doctor will probably ask about any medications you're taking, your drug or alcohol use, and your medical history. Spend some time thinking about your lifestyle and sleep habits. It's best to avoid caffeine and alcohol at night. If you don't exercise, starting regular exercise might help you sleep better. If you're depressed or anxious, talk to your doctor to see if relaxation techniques can help, if medication might be helpful, or if seeing a mental health provider is best.

If you are suffering from bouts of insomnia, take heart. Most people can return to more normal sleep patterns when they make simple changes in their lifestyle or habits.

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
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