Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep. Clinically, individuals with insomnia have persistent problems with sleep quantity or quality, despite ample opportunity to sleep, which leads to impaired daytime functioning. Insomnia can be classified as acute or chronic, with acute insomnia typically lasting from one night to a few weeks, often triggered by stress or life events. Chronic insomnia is defined as experiencing sleep disturbances at least three nights a week for three months or longer and often requires more comprehensive treatment.

From a medical perspective, the causes of insomnia can be multifactorial, encompassing psychological, biological, and lifestyle factors. Psychological issues like anxiety, depression, and stress are common contributors, while biological factors may include medical conditions or hormonal changes that disrupt sleep. Lifestyle habits such as irregular sleep schedules, caffeine consumption, and excessive screen time can also interfere with sleep. Medical professionals typically evaluate insomnia through patient history, sleep diaries, and, if necessary, more specialized studies such as polysomnography. Treatment may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), medication, and addressing underlying health conditions or modifying behaviors that may contribute to sleep disruption.