Definition of insomnia

Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder. Individuals with insomnia find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both.

People with insomnia often don't feel refreshed when they wake up from sleeping, either. This can lead to fatigue and other symptoms.

Insomnia is the most common of all sleep disorders, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

In fact, the APA states that about one-third of all adults report insomnia symptoms. Between 6 to 10 percent of all adults have symptoms severe enough for them to be diagnosed with insomnia disorder.

The APA defines insomnia as a disorder in which people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Doctors make a clinical diagnosis of insomnia if both of these criteria apply:

• Sleep difficulties occurring at least three nights a week for a minimum of 3 months.
• Sleep difficulties creating major distress or functional difficulties in a person's life.

Keep reading to learn all about the:

• symptoms
• causes
• types of insomnia

Insomnia causes

The causes of your insomnia will depend on the type of sleeplessness you experience.

Short-term insomnia, or acute insomnia, may be caused by a number of things including:

• stress
• an upsetting or traumatic event
• changes to your sleep habits, like sleeping in a hotel or new home
• physical pain
• jet lag
• certain medications

Chronic insomnia lasts for at least 3 months and can be primary or secondary. Primary insomnia has no known cause. Secondary insomnia occurs with another condition that can include:

• medical conditions that make it harder to sleep, such as arthritis or back pain
• psychological issues, such as anxiety or depression
• substance use
• sleep apnea
• diabetes

Continue reading the healthline.com article.

Video credits: TED ED