Overview
Insomnia is trouble initiating or maintaining sleep, or early waking, with daytime impairment. It is chronic when it occurs at least 3 nights a week for 3 months (DSM-5-TR, ICSD-3). Causes include stress, anxiety and depression, irregular schedules, caffeine, alcohol, screens, pain and other illnesses; loud snoring warrants checking for obstructive sleep apnoea. CBT-I — sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive work and relaxation — is the recommended first-line treatment (AASM 2021; European guideline 2023). Medication can help short-term but has side effects.
📌 At a glance
- Korea
- 109 (suicide prevention), 1577-0199 (mental health crisis)
- US
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- UK/Ireland
- Samaritans 116 123
- Emergency
- Local emergency number
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you are concerned, please consult a qualified health professional.
Frequently asked questions
- Are sleeping pills a cure?
- They can help briefly; CBT-I is first-line.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). DSM-5-TR.
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2014). International Classification of Sleep Disorders (3rd ed.).
- Edinger, J. D., et al. (2021). Behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 17(2), 255–262.
- Riemann, D., et al. (2023). The European Insomnia Guideline: An update on the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia 2023. Journal of Sleep Research, 32(6), e14035.