Different Types of Insomnia

Different Types of Insomnia

Different types of insomnia are common and can be caused by a variety of things, including mental health issues, medical conditions, medications and life circumstances. Knowing which type of insomnia you have can help your doctors provide more targeted treatments for your issue.

Typically lasting no more than a few weeks, acute insomnia is caused by a temporary change in your life or sleeping environment. This could include major events like starting a new job, moving or relationship changes as well as minor inconveniences like jet lag or an uncomfortable mattress.

Stress, anxiety and other emotional problems can keep some people up at night. Others suffer from medical conditions like acid reflux disease or Parkinson’s disease which may also disrupt sleep patterns.

Certain factors can make you more susceptible to insomnia, such as being female or having high levels of anxiety or an abnormal wake drive. Other things that could contribute to insomnia include family history, sleep traits or brain chemistry differences.

Chronic insomnia is defined as having difficulty sleeping three or more nights per week on a regular basis for at least a month. This can be primary (with no known underlying medical condition) or secondary (when another health concern interferes with your ability to get enough rest).

Onset insomnia is the most common type of insomnia. It may be caused by caffeine use, mental health symptoms or other triggers; it could even be an indication of another sleep disorder such as restless leg syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder.