Common Signs
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up during the night and struggling to return to sleep
- Waking too early in the morning
- Feeling unrefreshed after a full night in bed
- Daytime fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in the United States, affecting roughly 1 in 3 adults at some point during the year. It is defined by ongoing trouble falling or staying asleep despite having adequate opportunity to do so.
Short-term (acute) insomnia is usually triggered by stress, travel, or a change in routine. Chronic insomnia lasts at least three nights per week for three months or more and often requires a structured intervention such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
Improving sleep hygiene, dimming evening light, limiting caffeine after noon, and following a consistent sleep–wake schedule are the first-line strategies that work for most people.
When to talk to a doctor
If symptoms last longer than three weeks, interfere with daily functioning, or include witnessed pauses in breathing, schedule an appointment with a board-certified sleep physician.