According to various studies, 10% to 30% of adults experience insomnia symptoms. This sleep disorder is characterized by persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep on a nightly basis. The signs and symptoms of insomnia vary from person to person, and largely depend on whether the insomnia is a chronic or short-term condition.
To receive a chronic insomnia diagnosis, patients must experience symptoms at least three times per week for at least three months. A diagnosis for chronic insomnia hinges on two other factors: symptoms despite adequate opportunities for sleep and resulting daytime impairments.
Difficulty falling asleep is known as sleep onset insomnia, while difficulty staying asleep is known as sleep maintenance insomnia. In some cases, people with insomnia encounter issues with both sleep onset and sleep maintenance. Sleep onset and sleep maintenance problems have been documented across all age groups. Periods of sleep latency (the amount of time it takes to fall asleep) or wakefulness during the night may constitute chronic insomnia if they exceed 20 minutes for children and young adults, or 30 minutes for adults.
People with chronic insomnia may also frequently wake up earlier than they wish. Many patients – most commonly children and older adults who need caregiver supervision – also resist the idea of following a healthy sleep schedule. Additionally, people with insomnia often experience one or more of the following impairments during the day after a bout with insomnia-affected sleep:
The symptoms and diagnostic criteria for short-term insomnia are quite similar to those for chronic insomnia, but there is one key difference: patients have experienced sleep onset or maintenance problems for fewer than three nights per week and/or less than three months.
While short-term insomnia can be an isolated condition, there is often an underlying variable that precipitates the insomnia symptoms. Short-term insomnia may be comorbid with a mental health disorder, medical condition, or substance abuse. Daytime stressors related to work or family life can also lead to short-term symptoms. That said, some people experience short-term insomnia without any precipitating factors.
Many people with short-term insomnia will see their symptoms gradually taper off, especially if their insomnia has occurred alongside a distressing event or temporary condition. If left unaddressed, however, short-term insomnia can develop into a chronic condition that requires more intervention.
Chronic insomnia can take a major toll on a person’s overall health and wellbeing. It can increase your risk for certain medical problems and also exacerbate pre-existing conditions, such as:
Generally speaking, you should consult with your doctor or another credentialed physician if ongoing lack of sleep is negatively impacting your mood, performance, and other aspects of your daily life. Even if you haven’t experienced symptoms three times per week or for at least three months, you may qualify for a short-term insomnia diagnosis.
Sleep diaries can serve as helpful resources for your doctor. For a couple of weeks leading up to your appointment, take notes about time asleep and awake, sleep latency patterns, wakefulness episodes, and other aspects of your nightly sleep cycle. You should also document how you feel during the day, how often you exercise, and how much caffeine or alcohol you consume.
The first step of an insomnia diagnosis usually consists of a medical exam and questionnaire. These components help the doctor determine whether your insomnia is an isolated condition, or if you’re experiencing symptoms due to other underlying factors. They can also use these tests to rule out other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
Once these initial steps have been completed, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following three tests:
Treatment for insomnia varies by specific diagnosis. For chronic insomnia, you may undergo six to eight weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you fall asleep faster and sleep without waking up during the night. This therapy may be conducted online, over the phone, or in-person with a doctor, nurse, or therapist. Benzodiazepines and other sleep medications may also be prescribed. Alternatively, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications such as melatonin supplements or antihistamines with sleep aids.
For some people with short-term or chronic insomnia, improving sleep hygiene can reduce symptoms by a significant extent. Steps toward good sleep hygiene include maintaining a healthy bedroom that is conducive to sleep, going to bed at the same time each night (including weekends), avoiding daytime naps, and abstaining from caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bedtime.