Insomnia causes and symptoms

Insomnia happens, and maybe more often than assumed. Different studies suggest that insomnia may affect anywhere from 10 percent to 60 percent of people. But not all cases are created equal. Some cases are brief and go away on their own. Others are longer-lasting and require serious efforts to help correct.

Check out the information below for even more on the condition, including causes, symptoms and treatment options.

In this article:

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep or both. It can also result in waking up earlier than normal, leaving people unable to fall back asleep. This can lead to low energy or difficulty concentrating, and it can also give way to things like bad moods or poor performance at work or school. However, not all instances of insomnia are alike. The condition can be classified in different ways, depending on how long it lasts and why it develops.

Acute insomnia

Acute insomnia is a short-term sleep problem that can last for a few days to a few weeks, making it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep and get a good rest. This type of insomnia often happens because of stress or changes to someone’s life, like work pressure or personal issues. While it can be troubling, it usually goes away on its own once things go back to normal. If it doesn’t, it might turn into chronic insomnia, which can be more difficult to manage.

Chronic insomnia

Chronic insomnia is a long-term sleep problem that lasts for three months or longer. This type of insomnia can be caused by ongoing stress, health issues or poor sleep habits. People with chronic insomnia often feel tired and have trouble functioning during the day. It usually only improves after someone makes changes to their bedtime routine or gets help from a health care provider.

Onset insomnia

Onset insomnia makes it hard to fall asleep at the beginning of the night. This issue can last for just a few days or continue for weeks or even months, and it’s usually caused by stress, anxiety or routine changes. People might lie awake for hours, unable to doze off. They will usually feel tired in the morning, and they may be unable to function as well as usual.

Maintenance insomnia

Maintenance insomnia prevents people from staying asleep throughout the night. They often report waking up multiple times each night, with trouble falling back asleep. The problem can be temporary or last for longer periods of time. Common causes include stress, anxiety and compounding health issues. Similar to other forms of insomnia, maintenance insomnia leaves people feeling tired when they wake up.

Behavioral insomnia of childhood (BIC)

BIC affects up to 25 percent of all children, including some as young as six months. It usually involves trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up throughout the night. The cause usually circles back to inconsistent bedtime routines, lack of a soothing sleep environment or problematic cues from parents.

Addressing the issue often involves setting clearer limits, creating a more welcoming sleep space and getting kids to bed around the same time each night. If the problem persists, it might be helpful to consult a pediatrician or a sleep specialist.

Insomnia symptoms

The symptoms of insomnia can vary from person to person, but they generally fall into a few key categories:

• Daytime fatigue
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Feeling tired or unrested (even after sleep)
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Headaches
• Increased errors and accidents
• Irritability and mood changes
• Low motivation or initiative
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble falling asleep
• Waking up earlier than normal
• Waking up throughout the night

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia can be caused by different physical and psychological factors:

• Age. Insomnia is more common in older adults due to changes in sleep patterns and health conditions that come with aging.
• Anxiety and depression. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly disrupt sleep patterns. Common symptoms, like racing thoughts or feelings of sadness, can make it hard to relax and sleep.
• Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Consuming caffeine, nicotine or alcohol close to bedtime can lead to disrupted sleep later in the night.
• Environmental factors. Things like noise, light, extreme temperatures or an uncomfortable mattress can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
• Genetics. Some people may be genetically predisposed to insomnia, making them more likely to experience sleep difficulties.
• Hormonal changes. Hormonal fluctuations experienced during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause can affect sleep.
• Irregular sleep schedule. Frequent changes to someone’s sleep schedule can disrupt the body's internal clock and lead to insomnia.
• Lifestyle factors. High levels of physical activity close to bedtime, irregular eating patterns and a lack of physical activity during the day can all contribute to sleep problems.
• Medical conditions. Conditions like asthma, allergies, Parkinson's disease and acid reflux can all cause insomnia.
• Medications. Certain medications, including some that help with allergies, high blood pressure and depression, can disrupt sleep.
• Pain or discomfort. Physical pain or discomfort, whether from a chronic condition like arthritis or a temporary issue like a cold, can interfere with the body’s ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
• Poor sleep hygiene. Habits like using electronic devices before bed, having an inconsistent bedtime routine or engaging in stimulating activities late at night can contribute to insomnia.
• Psychological disorders. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can lead to insomnia.
• Sleep disorders. Other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and narcolepsy can also cause insomnia.
• Stress. Worrying about work, school, health, finances or personal relationships can keep the mind active at night, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.

How can insomnia affect overall health?

Insomnia can lead to serious consequences. Not getting enough sleep can weaken the immune system, leading to more frequent illnesses and infections. It can also make it hard to function during the day. People with insomnia are more likely to experience accidents, either at work or at home. They might also become irritable, which puts both personal and professional relationships at risk. 

How is insomnia diagnosed?

There is no one test to detect insomnia. Instead, health care providers will typically ask about sleep habits, how long someone has had trouble sleeping and if there’s anything that could be contributing to the problem. They may also check for things like thyroid problems, sleep apnea or other conditions known to interrupt sleep.

Some may suggest patients undergo a sleep study or wear an actigraphy device. These gadgets can track people’s movements throughout the day and while they sleep. This includes how long they spend in bed, how quickly they fall asleep, how often they wake up and how much time they spend being active (or resting). This gives health care providers a better understanding of their habits and sleep hygiene. That information can eventually be used to establish healthier sleep habits. 

How can insomnia be treated?

Insomnia can be hard to shake, but there are certain things people can do to help break the cycle. Improving sleep hygiene is usually the first course of action. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and nicotine before bedtime, and limiting alcohol use is a good place to start. Creating a sleep-friendly environment that is quiet, dark and cool is a close second. Regular exercise, especially earlier in the day, can also help.

Other people may rely on things like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and mindful meditation. These activities generally reduce stress and make it easier to fall asleep. If people don’t see results, they can always try more involved therapies. Mental health counseling and medication might be more appropriate for certain kinds of insomnia.

If insomnia doesn’t get any better, it's important to talk to a health care provider. They can help identify any underlying issues and provide personalized treatment.

Key takeaways

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it tough to fall asleep, stay asleep or both. This condition often leaves people feeling tired, clumsy or irritable during the day. Lots of things can contribute to the experience, including stress, sickness and certain medications. It’s important to pinpoint the exact cause to effectively treat the condition. Making improvements to sleep routines and avoiding certain habits before bed can help. Getting help from a health care provider can also help people find better ways to sleep and feel healthier throughout the day.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.