What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative rest, despite having the opportunity to sleep. Chronic insomnia affects millions worldwide and can significantly impair concentration, mood, and overall health.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, about 30% of adults experience short-term insomnia, while 10% suffer from chronic insomnia. Though it’s often linked to stress or lifestyle factors, insomnia may also result from underlying medical or psychiatric conditions.
Clinical research is vital for uncovering the biological, behavioral, and environmental factors that cause insomnia — and for developing innovative treatments to restore healthy sleep.
Symptoms of Insomnia
Insomnia symptoms can vary, but they often include:
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Trouble returning to sleep after awakening
- Waking up too early in the morning
- Feeling tired or unrefreshed upon waking
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Irritability, anxiety, or mood changes
- Decreased work or academic performance
Chronic insomnia typically lasts for three nights per week or more for at least three months, while short-term insomnia may last for a few days or weeks due to stress or lifestyle changes.
Types of Insomnia
Insomnia can be categorized based on duration and underlying causes:
- Acute (Short-Term) Insomnia: Triggered by stress, life events, or temporary environmental factors.
- Chronic Insomnia: Persists for months or longer, often linked to health issues or mental disorders.
- Comorbid Insomnia: Occurs alongside conditions such as depression, anxiety, or chronic pain.
- Onset Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep.
Maintenance Insomnia: Trouble staying asleep or waking too early.
