Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or return to sleep after waking too early. It is considered chronic when symptoms occur at least three nights a week for three months or longer. Insomnia can be short-term, often tied to stress or a specific life event, or it can become a longer-lasting pattern that affects daily functioning.
Because sleep difficulties can stem from many different sources, ranging from lifestyle habits to underlying medical or sleep-related conditions, a clear picture of a patient’s sleep patterns and health history is an important first step in addressing insomnia.