What is insomnia? Having insomnia means you often have trouble falling or staying asleep. Insomnia can be either a short-term or a longterm problem. Insomnia affects 1 in 3 adults every year in the US.
How does it occur? Causes of insomnia include: • acute stress such as having to be hospitalized or having a sick relative • depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems • medical problems such as sleep apnea or hyperthyroidism • restless leg syndrome (muscles in your lower legs twitch or tense up during sleep). • use of caffeine or other stimulants • use of alcohol, other depressants, or sedatives, which can relax you but lead to shallow sleep that starts and stops, especially if you use these drugs for a long time • medicines, such as those used to treat asthma • pain, shortness of breath, and other discomfort caused by an illness such as arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart failure • poor sleep habits, including going to bed at different times or in a noisy environment, or eating or working in bed before sleeping • changes in sleep patterns because of different work hours or travel.