Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a very common sleep disorder. This disorder makes it hard for people to fall asleep or stay away. As a result, people with insomnia experience daytime sleepiness and not feeling rested when they wake up.

It has been estimated that approximately 50 percent of adults experience insomnia at a certain period in their life. Out of which only 10 percent have chronic insomnia. Insomnia is a condition which can affect almost everyone. However, women and older adults are more susceptible to experiencing insomnia. It can last from a few days to an ongoing condition. There are certain health conditions which are known as insomnia triggers.

Different types of insomnia

There are several different types of insomnia and each of these types is characterized by how long it lasts, how it affects your sleep, and its underlying cause. Here are all the different types of insomnia you should know about.

Acute Insomnia

Acute insomnia is short-term insomnia which usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. As one of the most common types of insomnia, it is also known as adjustment insomnia. The reason it’s called adjustment insomnia is that it typically occurs when a stressful event takes place, such as the death of a loved one or starting a new job.

Additionally, acute insomnia can also be triggered by:

• environmental factors, such as noise or light
• sleeping in an unfamiliar bed
• physical discomfort, such as pain
• certain medications
• jet lag
• illness

Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia is the kind of insomnia which lasts at least three days per week for at least one month. This type of insomnia can be either primary or secondary:

• Primary insomnia, also known as idiopathic insomnia, doesn’t have an obvious cause or underlying medical condition;
• Secondary insomnia, also called comorbid insomnia, is more common and occurs with another condition.

Some of the most common chronic insomnia triggers include:

• certain mental health conditions (anxiety and depression)
• chronic medical conditions (diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and hyperthyroidism)
• medications (chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blockers)
• lifestyle factors (rotating shift work and let lag)
• caffeine and other stimulants, such as alcohol

Onset Insomnia

Onset insomnia is the type of insomnia in which a person has trouble initiating sleep. Onset insomnia can be short term or chronic and the causes are usually the same as the causes of acute and chronic insomnia.

Additionally, psychological or psychiatric issues, such as anxiety or stress, can be common triggers. However, people who experience chronic onset insomnia are often accompanied by other issues, such as periodic limb movement disorder or restless leg syndrome. Consuming too much caffeine or alcohol can also be the culprit of this condition.

Maintenance Insomnia

Another type of insomnia is maintenance insomnia which is characterized as difficulty staying asleep or waking up too early and having trouble getting back to sleep. It makes the person who has it worry about not being able to fall asleep or not getting enough rest. As a result, the person finds himself in a vicious circle of not being able to sleep.

Some of the most common maintenance insomnia causes include:

• sleep apnea
• asthma and other respiratory conditions
• gastroesophageal reflux disease
• restless leg syndrome
• periodic limb movement disorder

Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood

It has been estimated that about 25 percent of children have behavioral insomnia of childhood (BIC). There are three subtypes of BIC:

• BIC sleep-onset: Happens due to negative associations with sleep, such as learning to go to sleep by being rocked or nursed.
• BIC limit-setting: It involves a child’s refusal to go to bed and repeated attempts to put off going to sleep.
• BIC combined type: A combination of the other two subtypes which occurs when a child has a negative association with sleep and resists going to bed because of a lack of limit-setting by a parent or caretaker.

Behavioral insomnia of childhood can be treated simply by learning self-soothing techniques or creating a healthy sleep routine.

Risks and Side Effects of Insomnia

There are a number of risks and side effects associated with insomnia. The condition has a huge impact on your mental and physical health. The most common risks and side effects of insomnia include:

• increased risk of accidents
• decreased performance
• increased risk of depression and other mental health conditions
• higher risk of chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and obesity

Diagnosing and Treating Insomnia

In order to diagnose whether or not your sleepiness is insomnia, there are a number of physical examinations to be performed. The best way to get a proper diagnosis is to undergo a home insomnia test. Thus, if you notice that your lack of sleep has an impact on your ability to function throughout the day, you should consult a doctor to help you determine the cause of your insomnia and the most effective way to treat it.

If you are diagnosed with insomnia, your doctor will recommend the best treatment, which depends on the cause. Acute insomnia can be easily treated with an over-the-counter sleep aid or by managing your stress. On the other hand, chronic insomnia can be treated by addressing an underlying condition. Additionally, you might even need cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

If you leave your condition untreated, the condition can increase the risk of other serious health conditions.