Patients experiencing insomnia lasting a few days to a few weeks, or a few weeks to six months may be experiencing transient insomnia or acute insomnia, respectively. These types of insomnia may be a symptom of another sleeping disorder, while chronic insomnia may last for years and may be a primary condition.

The cause of insomnia may vary. Stimulants, psychoactive drugs, hormonal problems, stress, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders may be possible causes of the disorder. Other causes may include problems stemming from fluctuating levels of estrogen, neurological disorders, nightmares, sleepwalking and REM behavior disorder.

Patients may have onset insomnia (trouble falling asleep at the beginning of the night), middle of the night insomnia (difficulty falling back asleep after waking in the middle of the night or waking too early in the morning), middle insomnia (difficulty maintaining sleep) or terminal insomnia, which refers to early morning waking and may be linked to clinical depression.

Sleep medicine specialists may be qualified to diagnose insomnia. Insomnia may be wrongly diagnosed, as other conditions may be present, so visiting a sleep doctor may help to effectively diagnose any sleeping problems.

Patients suffering from insomnia may treat the disorder using cognitive behavior therapy. This may include teaching patients healthy sleeping habits and dispelling any negative assumptions the patient may hold regarding sleep.

Hypnosis may also be an effective short-term solution to the problem. Medications and antidepressants may be effective in treating insomnia as well. A healthcare professional may be helpful in discussing the benefits and risks associated with each medication used for treating insomnia.

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