Hyperarousal of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to excess release of stress hormones ( 9)ĭue to its duration, chronic insomnia can have significant health effects, such as diminished alertness, greater risk of injury, cognitive impairment, and metabolic changes.Head injuries or certain medical conditions ( 8).

A conditioned negative response to the attempt to sleep and/or the sleeping environment.

( 7) When insomnia symptoms become chronic, they are typically triggered by:

Chronic insomnia affects around ten percent of American adults. The definition of chronic insomnia is difficulty sleeping that lasts longer than three months, three or more nights each week. ( 6) Chronic insomnia can develop from the anxiety of transient insomnia, and become a persistent issue. Adjustment to a higher altitude can disrupt sleep, as can pregnancy, menopause, and post-surgical pain.įAQ Q: What causes insomnia during pregnancy? A: Hormonal shifts, irregular sleep schedules, physical discomfort, and frequent bathroom trips are common causes of insomnia during pregnancy.Ĭhronic insomnia refers to a longer-term pattern of problematic sleeping. ( 5) Physical changes may also be a factor. Transient acute insomnia is often triggered by a significant life event, such as a move, job change, or divorce. Symptoms range from an inability to fall asleep to daytime sleepiness to early morning waking. ( 3) Transient insomnia usually resolves on its own without treatment. The relatively brief duration of transient insomnia distinguishes it from chronic insomnia. Transient acute insomnia is a period of sleep difficulty lasting three months or less. Insomnia may be brief and relatively manageable, or chronic and more challenging to treat. Insomnia can come and go throughout life depending on health, stress levels, and family and employment circumstances. Though insomnia may appear to be a relatively straightforward disorder, it is actually quite complex. Insomnia is more common in older adults, and is especially prevalent in pregnant women, people under stress, and those suffering from mental illness.( 2) Transient Insomnia or Chronic Insomnia?Īs many as a third of adults suffer from insomnia at some point in their lives. If you feel you may be suffering from any sleep disorder or medical condition, please see your healthcare provider immediately. Note: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t take the place of medical advice and supervision from a trained professional.

Here at Sleepopolis we’re dedicated to helping you get a healthy night of sleep, part of that is by finding the best mattress for you, but another part is by educating you on why you might be having a tough time falling asleep in the first place. Chronic insomnia in particular can impact mental and physical health and have a detrimental impact on quality of life. Insomnia is by far the world’s most common sleep disorder ( 1), with potentially serious and wide-ranging effects. Insomnia can disturb sleep for a brief period of time or chronically, and may lead to long-term sleep debt. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, fall back to sleep after waking, or all three. It’s just the inability to fall asleep, right? Well, not exactly.

Acute insomnia side effects