What is insomnia?

Insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early despite adequate opportunity. It can impair daytime functioning and quality of life. Sleep needs differ, and one short night does not establish a persistent disorder.

Causes and assessment

1. Duration and impact Short-term problems may follow stress or schedule changes. Persistent symptoms require assessment of fatigue, attention and mood. Worry about sleep can perpetuate difficulties; blaming the individual does not help. 2. Related conditions Pain, breathing disorders, mental health conditions, medicines and caffeine can contribute. Snoring with breathing pauses requires more than sleep-hygiene advice. Detailed history matters. 3. Sleep diaries Bedtimes, waking, naps and stimulant use can be recorded approximately. Constant clock checking can increase worry. Not every case requires laboratory sleep testing.

Support, treatment and safety

4. Routine Consistent waking, a suitably dark quiet room and reducing late caffeine may help. Alcohol can worsen sleep quality despite initial drowsiness. Advice should fit work and health circumstances. 5. Treatment Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is an important option for persistent problems. Professionals should assess whether medicines or supplements are needed and for how long. Avoid borrowed medicines and arbitrary combinations. 6. Seeking help Seek assessment when symptoms persist for weeks, disrupt daily life or accompany other illness signs. Avoid driving or dangerous machinery when very sleepy. Confusion or signs of acute serious illness must not simply be attributed to poor sleep.