Did you know that 30% of adults in the United States experience short-term insomnia, whereas 10% experience chronic insomnia? This sleep-related disorder can affect anyone, but it’s likely to affect women and older adults.
Insomnia can last for a couple of days, weeks, or longer, depending on the type of insomnia. There are diverse types of insomnia, each characterized by its effects on individuals, the period it lasts, and the underlying cause.
Let’s explore some different types of insomnia highlighted by our Adult sleep coach.
Acute Insomnia
Acute insomnia is short-term insomnia that typically lasts for a few days or weeks. This type of insomnia is the most prevalent and is also called adjustment insomnia, as it occurs due to physical, psychological, environmental, or social changes and stressful events.
Besides stress, physical discomforts, such as uncomfortable sleeping positions, pains, etc., some medications, medical conditions or illnesses, jet lag, etc., can also cause it.
Chronic Insomnia
Chronic insomnia is long-term insomnia in which individuals struggle to fall asleep for three days or more per week. Chronic insomnia is of two categories—primary and secondary.
Primary chronic or idiopathic insomnia is when there’s no evident reason or underlying medical condition for this sleeping disorder. On the other hand, secondary or comorbid insomnia occurs with another medical condition. Secondary insomnia is more widespread than primary insomnia.
Some common causes of chronic insomnia are as follows:
- Chronic medical conditions, like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, central and obstructive sleep apnea, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
- Medications, such as antidepressants, chemotherapydrugs, and beta blockers.
- Mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, etc.
- Caffeine and additional stimulants, such as nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs.
- Lifestyle change, for instance: excessive traveling, jet lag, napping, and change in work shift.
Onset Insomnia
When individuals face trouble initiating sleep, they experience onset insomnia. This insomnia type can either be chronic or short-term. Falling asleep can be challenging, regardless of acute or chronic insomnia. The most frequent causes are psychological or psychiatric problems. Some common causes include depression, anxiety, and stress.
A study showed that individuals experiencing chronic onset insomnia usually faced other sleep disorders, such as periodic limb movement disorder or restless leg syndrome.
Maintenance Insomnia
Maintenance insomnia is described by constant early morning awakenings or trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. In this insomnia type, individuals worry about not getting enough sleep and not falling asleep. As a result, this stress can worsen the condition, leading to a poor cycle.
Moreover, maintenance insomnia is triggered by mental health problems, like depression. Other medical issues can also contribute to this condition, including:
- Sleep apnea
- Restless leg syndrome
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Periodic limb movement disorder
- Asthma and other respiratory issues.
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