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11
minutes
Do you struggle to fall asleep at night? Do you have problems staying awake because of it?
If so, you’re certainly not alone. Many Americans show signs of insomnia. Insomnia symptoms and causes are plentiful, diverse, and sometimes hard to recognize.
A survey by
Consumer Reports
found that:
27 percent of American adults have trouble falling asleep most nights, and 68 percent have trouble falling asleep at least one night per week.
While everyone struggles with their sleep occasionally, there’s a chance that your sleep issues may be indicative of a more significant problem, such as insomnia.
Your inability to fall asleep could be attributed to many things. However, if it persists, this may be a sign that you have a
sleeping disorder
. Insomnia is often one of the many symptoms.
This guide is comprehensive. After reading this, you’ll have the tools to recognize the signs of insomnia, which is the first and most crucial step to treating it. But you’ll also learn about its causes, how to diagnose and treat it, and more.
Are you ready to turn your sleep issues into more restful sleep each night?
What is Insomnia?
Before we dive into the signs of insomnia, let’s first address what it is. It’s common for people to have the wrong ideas about it, both with spotting and preventing and treating it.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which someone has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good-quality sleep. The condition can be both short-term and long-term. It can also come and go and seemingly for no reason at all. But it’s not random.
Even if you have the best sleep schedule and proper environment to sleep well, insomnia can still occur and wreak havoc on your daily activities. And during your waking activities, when you’re not trying to sleep, you’ll feel sleepy and sluggish.
According to
Stanford Medicine:
Transient insomnia last less than one month and typically for a few nights before your sleep returns to normal. Intermittent insomnia means that you periodically get insomnia for a short time.
Short-term (known as acute) insomnia typically lasts one to six months. Acute insomnia can be caused by stress, a change in your schedule, or your environment.
Long-term (also known as chronic) insomnia is the most severe and can last several months or more. Chronic insomnia causes cannot be fully explained as quickly as acute insomnia.
Some
insomnia statistics
in the U.S. from the Sleep Foundation that are indicative of the major problem it has become include:
Between 9 and 15 percent of U.S. adults have insomnia that affects their waking activities.
Women are 40 percent more likely to have insomnia.
50 percent of pregnant women experience insomnia.
55 percent of nurses say they routinely experience insomnia.
40 percent of people with insomnia have a mental health disorder.
83 percent of people with depression experience at least one insomnia symptom.
91 percent of people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have insomnia symptoms.
If you fall into one of these groups or feel that you might, learning about insomnia symptoms and causes becomes more vital. The only things that can compare to sleep in importance are air, water, and food. You can go far longer (safely) without food than sleep.
Types of Insomnia
There are two main types of insomnia:
primary insomnia
and
secondary insomnia
.
If you suffer from primary insomnia, your sleep issues aren’t linked to other health problems. Oftentimes, this type of insomnia is caused by a stressful life event, an uncomfortable sleeping environment, or changes in your sleep schedule due to jet lag or a new work schedule.
People who are part of an insomnia study are usually from this group.
If you suffer from secondary insomnia, your issues with sleeping stem from another health condition. Most people who have insomnia fall into this group. Health conditions that can lead to secondary insomnia include:
Depression
Arthritis
Cancer
Asthma
Heartburn
Substance abuse
This type of insomnia can also result from hyperthyroidism or other endocrine problems.
Signs of Insomnia
It’s important to remember that if you experience any signs of insomnia listed below, you should talk with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Don’t misjudge how important good sleep is.
So, how can you tell if you’re suffering from insomnia or just a poor night of sleep? Here are the top signs of insomnia to watch out for.
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the top signs that you’re suffering from insomnia. The average adult needs around 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. If you’re getting less than that, then there’s a good chance you’ll wake up feeling fatigued.
Many people find that their fatigue stays with them throughout the day, and they lack the motivation to participate in daily activities.
2. Trouble Falling Asleep
Those who suffer from insomnia also tend to have trouble falling asleep. Some insomnia sufferers have trouble falling asleep at a particular time, even if their body is tired.
You are thinking about things that make you overwhelmed or anxious before bed can contribute to this symptom.
For some people, all it takes is a solid bedtime routine to fix this issue. This may include:
Taking a warm shower
Putting your phone and other devices down an hour before bedtime
Meditating or stretching
Reading or journaling
If you’ve tried all these tactics and still have trouble falling asleep, there’s a good chance that insomnia is to blame.
3. Trouble Staying Asleep
For some people with insomnia, falling asleep is not the problem. Instead, staying asleep is the problem.
Those who suffer from insomnia often wake up in the middle of the night. And they have trouble falling back asleep within 30 minutes.
If you’re looking for some home remedies and lifestyle changes for this, try to avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine use, especially before bedtime. Avoid large meals before bedtime so you’re more comfortable, and your body will perform repair functions while you sleep instead of digestion. It’s a win-win.
If you wake up in the middle of the night for bathroom breaks, you should also avoid beverages before bedtime. Experiment and keep a record of how long before your bedtime you stop drinking beverages. See if you can find a sweet spot.
You should also make your bedroom as comfortable as possible for quality sleep. This includes a cooler temperature, bedding that keeps you cool at night, and a room without noise and light. And if you only use your bedroom for sex or sleep, your brain, and body will become more conditioned to expect one or the other when in that room.
Finally, try creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath, doing yoga or stretching, reading, or listening to soft music—nothing visual, as this will overstimulate your brain and have the opposite effect.
4. Waking Up Too Early
We often think waking up early shows motivation and good health. But this isn’t always the case. If you go to sleep at 11 pm, then ideally, you should be waking up somewhere between 6 am and 8 am.
If you wake up a couple of hours or more before your alarm, then there’s a good chance that you have insomnia.
You can always experiment with a different sleep schedule if this happens. Try going to bed earlier and continue to monitor what time you wake up. A small change can have a big impact.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Difficulty concentrating is one of the most common side effects of sleep deprivation. This can impair your judgment and make it difficult for you to make decisions.
This is especially important in your work environment. Your productivity can falter, and if you’re working with machinery or a medical professional, your sleepiness can have a major negative impact.
If you frequently struggle to concentrate throughout the day, insomnia may be the issue.
6. Mood Swings and Behavioral Issues
It’s no secret that not getting enough sleep can make us feel grumpier.
However, if you’re suffering from insomnia, it could lead to severe mood swings. These mood swings may even indicate that you’re suffering from anxiety or depression.
These mood swings may cause you to act like you usually wouldn’t. For example, you may act aggressively or impulsively when confronted with irritating situations that you’d typically handle easily.
And if these mood swings cause stress or other problems, your insomnia could worsen.
7. Relationship Stress
There are a lot of things that can contribute to stress in a relationship, including insomnia.
A lot of times, those who suffer from insomnia find that it’s hard to be around others. You may lash out or lose patience in situations that normally wouldn’t upset you.
From your co-workers to your family members, no relationship is safe from this negative impact you may feel powerless to control. But don’t worry; you can overcome insomnia and its harmful effects.
8. Lack of Coordination
There are also physical signs of insomnia that you should be aware of. One of the most common physical signs is a lack of coordination.
Those who suffer from insomnia often find that their movements are more sluggish and that they have trouble focusing their eyes on one spot.
One study found
that driving for over three hours at night without a break is the same as being drunk behind the wheel.
9. Memory Issues
If you’re having trouble remembering things, that’s another sign that you may suffer from insomnia.
When your body is asleep, your brain processes the events of the day and turns them into memories. If you’re short on sleep, remembering certain things can make it more difficult.
According to an article in
Medical News Today
, researchers found that:
vital brain waves during sleep play a crucial role in storing memories. Those brain waves transfer memories from a part of the brain called the hippocampus to the prefrontal cortex. This is your brain’s storage area for long-term memories.
When you suffer from poor sleep quality, memories can get stuck in the hippocampus and never reach the prefrontal cortex. This results in forgetfulness, cognitive impairment, and other memory issues like not remembering names.
How to Diagnose Insomnia
It should go without saying (and yet we are) that you should leave all healthcare-related diagnoses to medical professionals.
However, it would be best if you were prepared to answer questions related to your insomnia. Some online research can better help you understand the causes and signs and make it easier to explain them to your doctor.
When diagnosing your insomnia, your healthcare provider may ask about your sleep habits. You should be prepared ahead of time and begin to keep a sleep diary. Write down everything, and try to begin this practice a few weeks before your appointment.
Your doctor might also recommend a variety of healthy lifestyle habits. Setting up a regular sleep schedule is perhaps the most straightforward change. And your healthcare provider might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy and maybe even medications to help better manage your insomnia.
The problem with insomnia is that there aren’t any tests that can measure it precisely. Instead, your physician can use several tests to help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These tests can include:
Sleep apnea testing by way of an overnight sleep study, known as polysomnography
A sleep apnea screening device that you can do on your own and at home
Actigraphy using a wearable sensor that monitors your rest-activities cycles
Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to measure excessive daytime sleepiness or whatever hours you usually sleep
Other tests for insomnia may also be used depending on your symptoms and other factors. You should be prepared for some digging and time to find the root cause of your insomnia. It’s easier said than done, even for medical professionals.
Causes of Insomnia
As mentioned earlier, stress and lifestyle changes can often lead to primary insomnia, while underlying health conditions often lead to secondary insomnia.
It’s important to understand that some people are at a higher risk of developing insomnia than others. Women are at more risk than men, and older people are at more risk than younger people.
Young and middle-aged Black Americans also have a higher risk of developing insomnia. You’re also at a higher risk if you suffer from a long-term illness or mental health condition.
Certain medications can also put you at risk of developing insomnia. These include:
Alpha and beta blockers
Statins
Corticosteroids
Antidepressants and SSRIs
Cholinesterase inhibitors
Angiotensin II receptor-blockers
Angiotensin-converting enzyme
Nonsedating H1 agonists
You can talk to your doctor about switching if you take any of these medications.
Preventing Insomnia
Luckily, there are many things you can do to prevent insomnia from happening in the first place. This includes:
Going to sleep at the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning
Avoiding taking naps during the day
Avoiding nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol late in the day (Nicotine and caffeine are stimulants that can keep you up, while alcohol is a depressant that can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and harm your sleep quality)
Avoiding eating big meals late in the day
Making your bedroom a comfortable sleeping environment (i.e., make sure its dark, calm, and quiet)
Following a relaxing bedtime routine
Doing something calming if you can’t fall asleep
Getting regular exercise
Avoiding exercising too close to your bedtime
As mentioned earlier, you should stop using technological devices for about an hour before bedtime. A stimulated brain is not prepared for a restful night’s sleep.
Reading an excellent
sleep guide
might also help you better understand sleep on a general level.
Treatments of Insomnia
You may not need any treatment if you’re suffering from short-term insomnia. Oftentimes, this type of insomnia resolves on its own.
While treating your insomnia with over-the-counter medications may be tempting, you should avoid doing so, as these can come with adverse side effects and tend to lose their effect over time.
In some cases, doctors will prescribe sleeping pills for a short period for those suffering from acute insomnia. If you suffer from chronic insomnia, you must treat the underlying health condition keeping you awake at night.
For example, if you’re suffering from depression, your doctor may prescribe medication or refer you to a therapist.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) is often the preferred initial treatment for chronic insomnia. Multiple healthcare societies and guidelines endorse this as a first-line treatment for insomnia.
The evidence base is more robust for CBT-I than most medications, and it pays to be informed before seeing a healthcare provider. And if you’re not making progress with your general physician, it may be time to find a sleep specialist.
A sleep specialist is an expert at diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. The tests that a sleep specialist may do can include those to measure and/or confirm or deny:
Your insomnia
Narcolepsy
Sleep apnea
Restless leg syndrome
What should you look for in a sleep specialist? Neurologists, pulmonologists, or psychiatrists who have completed training in sleep medicine are all excellent choices to help you find the root cause of your insomnia.
Would you like to take a sleep test that asks about your sleep habits and can put you on the correct path toward understanding it and finding a solution? Thanks to StellarSleep.com, you can take that
comprehensive insomnia symptom test
.
FAQs
How do I know if I have insomnia?
Insomnia is difficult to diagnose and is best left to medical professionals with experience. However, if you’re experiencing common insomnia symptoms or have ideas on what may be causing it, your physician will have more to work with. And consider keeping a sleep diary to help with that.
What is the leading cause of insomnia?
There is no singular leading cause of insomnia. Common causes include:
Stress
Lifestyle changes
Underlying medical conditions
Your age
Your sex
Your ethnicity
Certain prescription medications
How do I fix insomnia?
The first step to fixing your insomnia is to get a diagnosis from your doctor or a sleep specialist. However, it would be best if you were prepared to answer questions about your sleep habits, lifestyle habits, medications, underlying medical conditions, etc. Keep a sleep journal for at least two weeks before your appointment. Anything you can do to assist your doctor in making what is often a problematic diagnosis will help remedy your insomnia.
How does a person with insomnia feel?
There are many signs of insomnia, and these include:
Daytime fatigue or whatever hours you’re usually awake
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying asleep
Waking too early and not getting enough sleep
Trouble concentrating
Mood swings
Relationship stress
Lack of coordination
Memory issues
The more symptoms you can identify, the greater your chance of insomnia. Your doctor will want to know what symptoms you’re experiencing; keeping a sleep journal can help. Aim to do that at least two weeks before your appointment.
Are you researching right now? Â
Check out our newest
Mattress Buying Guide
and
How to Experience The Best Sleep Guide.
Both are free!Â
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# Signs of Insomnia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
[Sleep Disorders](https://beloitmattress.com/category/sleep-disorders/), [Insomnia](https://beloitmattress.com/category/sleep-disorders/insomnia/), [Sleep Center](https://beloitmattress.com/category/sleep/), [Sleep Problem](https://beloitmattress.com/category/problem/) [No Comments](https://beloitmattress.com/signs-of-insomnia/#respond)
By: [Ryan Poppie](https://beloitmattress.com/ryan-poppie/) Reading Time: 11 minutes
- [Love0](https://beloitmattress.com/signs-of-insomnia/ "Love this")

Reading Time: 11 minutes
Do you struggle to fall asleep at night? Do you have problems staying awake because of it?
If so, you’re certainly not alone. Many Americans show signs of insomnia. Insomnia symptoms and causes are plentiful, diverse, and sometimes hard to recognize.
A survey by [Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org/sleep/why-americans-cant-sleep/) found that:
> 27 percent of American adults have trouble falling asleep most nights, and 68 percent have trouble falling asleep at least one night per week.
While everyone struggles with their sleep occasionally, there’s a chance that your sleep issues may be indicative of a more significant problem, such as insomnia.
Your inability to fall asleep could be attributed to many things. However, if it persists, this may be a sign that you have a [sleeping disorder](https://beloitmattress.com/sleeping-disorders/). Insomnia is often one of the many symptoms.
This guide is comprehensive. After reading this, you’ll have the tools to recognize the signs of insomnia, which is the first and most crucial step to treating it. But you’ll also learn about its causes, how to diagnose and treat it, and more.
Are you ready to turn your sleep issues into more restful sleep each night?
## What is Insomnia?
Before we dive into the signs of insomnia, let’s first address what it is. It’s common for people to have the wrong ideas about it, both with spotting and preventing and treating it.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which someone has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good-quality sleep. The condition can be both short-term and long-term. It can also come and go and seemingly for no reason at all. But it’s not random.
Even if you have the best sleep schedule and proper environment to sleep well, insomnia can still occur and wreak havoc on your daily activities. And during your waking activities, when you’re not trying to sleep, you’ll feel sleepy and sluggish.
According to [Stanford Medicine:](https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/sleep/insomnia/types.html)
> Transient insomnia last less than one month and typically for a few nights before your sleep returns to normal. Intermittent insomnia means that you periodically get insomnia for a short time.
Short-term (known as acute) insomnia typically lasts one to six months. Acute insomnia can be caused by stress, a change in your schedule, or your environment.
Long-term (also known as chronic) insomnia is the most severe and can last several months or more. Chronic insomnia causes cannot be fully explained as quickly as acute insomnia.
Some [insomnia statistics](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/sleep-facts-statistics#:~:text=the%20United%20States.-,Statistics%20About%20Insomnia%2C%20Sleep%20Apnea%2C%20and%20Other%20Sleep%20Disorders,to%2015%25%20of%20U.S.%20adults) in the U.S. from the Sleep Foundation that are indicative of the major problem it has become include:
- Between 9 and 15 percent of U.S. adults have insomnia that affects their waking activities.
- Women are 40 percent more likely to have insomnia.
- 50 percent of pregnant women experience insomnia.
- 55 percent of nurses say they routinely experience insomnia.
- 40 percent of people with insomnia have a mental health disorder.
- 83 percent of people with depression experience at least one insomnia symptom.
- 91 percent of people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have insomnia symptoms.
If you fall into one of these groups or feel that you might, learning about insomnia symptoms and causes becomes more vital. The only things that can compare to sleep in importance are air, water, and food. You can go far longer (safely) without food than sleep.
## Types of Insomnia
There are two main types of insomnia: **primary insomnia** and **secondary insomnia**.
If you suffer from primary insomnia, your sleep issues aren’t linked to other health problems. Oftentimes, this type of insomnia is caused by a stressful life event, an uncomfortable sleeping environment, or changes in your sleep schedule due to jet lag or a new work schedule.
People who are part of an insomnia study are usually from this group.
If you suffer from secondary insomnia, your issues with sleeping stem from another health condition. Most people who have insomnia fall into this group. Health conditions that can lead to secondary insomnia include:
- **Depression**
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Heartburn
- Substance abuse
This type of insomnia can also result from hyperthyroidism or other endocrine problems.
## Signs of Insomnia
It’s important to remember that if you experience any signs of insomnia listed below, you should talk with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Don’t misjudge how important good sleep is.
So, how can you tell if you’re suffering from insomnia or just a poor night of sleep? Here are the top signs of insomnia to watch out for.
### 1\. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the top signs that you’re suffering from insomnia. The average adult needs around 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. If you’re getting less than that, then there’s a good chance you’ll wake up feeling fatigued.
Many people find that their fatigue stays with them throughout the day, and they lack the motivation to participate in daily activities.
### 2\. Trouble Falling Asleep
Those who suffer from insomnia also tend to have trouble falling asleep. Some insomnia sufferers have trouble falling asleep at a particular time, even if their body is tired.
*You are thinking about things that make you overwhelmed or anxious before bed can contribute to this symptom.*
For some people, all it takes is a solid bedtime routine to fix this issue. This may include:
- Taking a warm shower
- Putting your phone and other devices down an hour before bedtime
- Meditating or stretching
- Reading or journaling
If you’ve tried all these tactics and still have trouble falling asleep, there’s a good chance that insomnia is to blame.
### 3\. Trouble Staying Asleep
For some people with insomnia, falling asleep is not the problem. Instead, staying asleep is the problem.
Those who suffer from insomnia often wake up in the middle of the night. And they have trouble falling back asleep within 30 minutes.
If you’re looking for some home remedies and lifestyle changes for this, try to avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine use, especially before bedtime. Avoid large meals before bedtime so you’re more comfortable, and your body will perform repair functions while you sleep instead of digestion. It’s a win-win.
If you wake up in the middle of the night for bathroom breaks, you should also avoid beverages before bedtime. Experiment and keep a record of how long before your bedtime you stop drinking beverages. See if you can find a sweet spot.
You should also make your bedroom as comfortable as possible for quality sleep. This includes a cooler temperature, bedding that keeps you cool at night, and a room without noise and light. And if you only use your bedroom for sex or sleep, your brain, and body will become more conditioned to expect one or the other when in that room.
Finally, try creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath, doing yoga or stretching, reading, or listening to soft music—nothing visual, as this will overstimulate your brain and have the opposite effect.
### 4\. Waking Up Too Early
We often think waking up early shows motivation and good health. But this isn’t always the case. If you go to sleep at 11 pm, then ideally, you should be waking up somewhere between 6 am and 8 am.
If you wake up a couple of hours or more before your alarm, then there’s a good chance that you have insomnia.
You can always experiment with a different sleep schedule if this happens. Try going to bed earlier and continue to monitor what time you wake up. A small change can have a big impact.
### 5\. Trouble Concentrating
Difficulty concentrating is one of the most common side effects of sleep deprivation. This can impair your judgment and make it difficult for you to make decisions.
This is especially important in your work environment. Your productivity can falter, and if you’re working with machinery or a medical professional, your sleepiness can have a major negative impact.
If you frequently struggle to concentrate throughout the day, insomnia may be the issue.
### 6\. Mood Swings and Behavioral Issues
It’s no secret that not getting enough sleep can make us feel grumpier.
However, if you’re suffering from insomnia, it could lead to severe mood swings. These mood swings may even indicate that you’re suffering from anxiety or depression.
These mood swings may cause you to act like you usually wouldn’t. For example, you may act aggressively or impulsively when confronted with irritating situations that you’d typically handle easily.
And if these mood swings cause stress or other problems, your insomnia could worsen.
### 7\. Relationship Stress
There are a lot of things that can contribute to stress in a relationship, including insomnia.
A lot of times, those who suffer from insomnia find that it’s hard to be around others. You may lash out or lose patience in situations that normally wouldn’t upset you.
From your co-workers to your family members, no relationship is safe from this negative impact you may feel powerless to control. But don’t worry; you can overcome insomnia and its harmful effects.
### 8\. Lack of Coordination
There are also physical signs of insomnia that you should be aware of. One of the most common physical signs is a lack of coordination.
Those who suffer from insomnia often find that their movements are more sluggish and that they have trouble focusing their eyes on one spot. [One study found](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/8269657/Being-tired-behind-the-wheel-as-bad-as-being-drunk.html) that driving for over three hours at night without a break is the same as being drunk behind the wheel.
### 9\. Memory Issues
If you’re having trouble remembering things, that’s another sign that you may suffer from insomnia.
When your body is asleep, your brain processes the events of the day and turns them into memories. If you’re short on sleep, remembering certain things can make it more difficult.
According to an article in [Medical News Today](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/255511#:~:text=Poor%20quality%20sleep%20in%20adults,forgetfulness%20and%20difficulty%20remembering%20names.), researchers found that:
> vital brain waves during sleep play a crucial role in storing memories. Those brain waves transfer memories from a part of the brain called the hippocampus to the prefrontal cortex. This is your brain’s storage area for long-term memories.
When you suffer from poor sleep quality, memories can get stuck in the hippocampus and never reach the prefrontal cortex. This results in forgetfulness, cognitive impairment, and other memory issues like not remembering names.

## How to Diagnose Insomnia
It should go without saying (and yet we are) that you should leave all healthcare-related diagnoses to medical professionals.
However, it would be best if you were prepared to answer questions related to your insomnia. Some online research can better help you understand the causes and signs and make it easier to explain them to your doctor.
When diagnosing your insomnia, your healthcare provider may ask about your sleep habits. You should be prepared ahead of time and begin to keep a sleep diary. Write down everything, and try to begin this practice a few weeks before your appointment.
Your doctor might also recommend a variety of healthy lifestyle habits. Setting up a regular sleep schedule is perhaps the most straightforward change. And your healthcare provider might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy and maybe even medications to help better manage your insomnia.
The problem with insomnia is that there aren’t any tests that can measure it precisely. Instead, your physician can use several tests to help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These tests can include:
- Sleep apnea testing by way of an overnight sleep study, known as polysomnography
- A sleep apnea screening device that you can do on your own and at home
- Actigraphy using a wearable sensor that monitors your rest-activities cycles
- Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to measure excessive daytime sleepiness or whatever hours you usually sleep
Other tests for insomnia may also be used depending on your symptoms and other factors. You should be prepared for some digging and time to find the root cause of your insomnia. It’s easier said than done, even for medical professionals.
## Causes of Insomnia
As mentioned earlier, stress and lifestyle changes can often lead to primary insomnia, while underlying health conditions often lead to secondary insomnia.
It’s important to understand that some people are at a higher risk of developing insomnia than others. Women are at more risk than men, and older people are at more risk than younger people.
Young and middle-aged Black Americans also have a higher risk of developing insomnia. You’re also at a higher risk if you suffer from a long-term illness or mental health condition.
Certain medications can also put you at risk of developing insomnia. These include:
- Alpha and beta blockers
- Statins
- Corticosteroids
- Antidepressants and SSRIs
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor-blockers
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme
- Nonsedating H1 agonists
You can talk to your doctor about switching if you take any of these medications.
## Preventing Insomnia
Luckily, there are many things you can do to prevent insomnia from happening in the first place. This includes:
- Going to sleep at the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning
- Avoiding taking naps during the day
- Avoiding nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol late in the day (Nicotine and caffeine are stimulants that can keep you up, while alcohol is a depressant that can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and harm your sleep quality)
- Avoiding eating big meals late in the day
- Making your bedroom a comfortable sleeping environment (i.e., make sure its dark, calm, and quiet)
- Following a relaxing bedtime routine
- Doing something calming if you can’t fall asleep
- **Getting regular exercise**
- Avoiding exercising too close to your bedtime
As mentioned earlier, you should stop using technological devices for about an hour before bedtime. A stimulated brain is not prepared for a restful night’s sleep.
Reading an excellent [sleep guide](https://beloitmattress.com/best-sleep-guide/) might also help you better understand sleep on a general level.
## Treatments of Insomnia
You may not need any treatment if you’re suffering from short-term insomnia. Oftentimes, this type of insomnia resolves on its own.
While treating your insomnia with over-the-counter medications may be tempting, you should avoid doing so, as these can come with adverse side effects and tend to lose their effect over time.
In some cases, doctors will prescribe sleeping pills for a short period for those suffering from acute insomnia. If you suffer from chronic insomnia, you must treat the underlying health condition keeping you awake at night.
For example, if you’re suffering from depression, your doctor may prescribe medication or refer you to a therapist.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) is often the preferred initial treatment for chronic insomnia. Multiple healthcare societies and guidelines endorse this as a first-line treatment for insomnia.
The evidence base is more robust for CBT-I than most medications, and it pays to be informed before seeing a healthcare provider. And if you’re not making progress with your general physician, it may be time to find a sleep specialist.
A sleep specialist is an expert at diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. The tests that a sleep specialist may do can include those to measure and/or confirm or deny:
- Your insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Sleep apnea
- Restless leg syndrome
What should you look for in a sleep specialist? Neurologists, pulmonologists, or psychiatrists who have completed training in sleep medicine are all excellent choices to help you find the root cause of your insomnia.
Would you like to take a sleep test that asks about your sleep habits and can put you on the correct path toward understanding it and finding a solution? Thanks to StellarSleep.com, you can take that **[comprehensive insomnia symptom test](https://stellarsleep.com/quiz)**.
## FAQs
### How do I know if I have insomnia?
Insomnia is difficult to diagnose and is best left to medical professionals with experience. However, if you’re experiencing common insomnia symptoms or have ideas on what may be causing it, your physician will have more to work with. And consider keeping a sleep diary to help with that.
### What is the leading cause of insomnia?
There is no singular leading cause of insomnia. Common causes include:
- Stress
- Lifestyle changes
- Underlying medical conditions
- Your age
- Your sex
- Your ethnicity
- Certain prescription medications
### How do I fix insomnia?
The first step to fixing your insomnia is to get a diagnosis from your doctor or a sleep specialist. However, it would be best if you were prepared to answer questions about your sleep habits, lifestyle habits, medications, underlying medical conditions, etc. Keep a sleep journal for at least two weeks before your appointment. Anything you can do to assist your doctor in making what is often a problematic diagnosis will help remedy your insomnia.
### How does a person with insomnia feel?
There are many signs of insomnia, and these include:
- Daytime fatigue or whatever hours you’re usually awake
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Waking too early and not getting enough sleep
- Trouble concentrating
- Mood swings
- Relationship stress
- Lack of coordination
- Memory issues
The more symptoms you can identify, the greater your chance of insomnia. Your doctor will want to know what symptoms you’re experiencing; keeping a sleep journal can help. Aim to do that at least two weeks before your appointment.
### Are you researching right now?
Check out our newest [Mattress Buying Guide](https://beloitmattress.com/mattress-buying-guide/) and [How to Experience The Best Sleep Guide.](https://beloitmattress.com/best-sleep-guide/) ***Both are free\!***
[](https://beloitmattress.com/mattress-buying-guide/) [](https://beloitmattress.com/best-sleep-guide/)

### About Ryan Poppie
Ryan Poppie, President and Chief Bedmaker at The Beloit Mattress Company. He's not just a mattress maker but a true expert in sleep. Leading a 5th generation family business, Ryan uses his deep sleep knowledge to ensure every mattress made gives his customers the best rest possible. Each custom mattress is handcrafted to show his love for sleep and how it can improve our lives. With his team, Ryan's passion is to improve your quality of life through a better night's sleep.
[Read Full Bio](https://beloitmattress.com/ryan-poppie/)
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| Readable Markdown | 
Reading Time: 11 minutes
Do you struggle to fall asleep at night? Do you have problems staying awake because of it?
If so, you’re certainly not alone. Many Americans show signs of insomnia. Insomnia symptoms and causes are plentiful, diverse, and sometimes hard to recognize.
A survey by [Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org/sleep/why-americans-cant-sleep/) found that:
> 27 percent of American adults have trouble falling asleep most nights, and 68 percent have trouble falling asleep at least one night per week.
While everyone struggles with their sleep occasionally, there’s a chance that your sleep issues may be indicative of a more significant problem, such as insomnia.
Your inability to fall asleep could be attributed to many things. However, if it persists, this may be a sign that you have a [sleeping disorder](https://beloitmattress.com/sleeping-disorders/). Insomnia is often one of the many symptoms.
This guide is comprehensive. After reading this, you’ll have the tools to recognize the signs of insomnia, which is the first and most crucial step to treating it. But you’ll also learn about its causes, how to diagnose and treat it, and more.
Are you ready to turn your sleep issues into more restful sleep each night?
## What is Insomnia?
Before we dive into the signs of insomnia, let’s first address what it is. It’s common for people to have the wrong ideas about it, both with spotting and preventing and treating it.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which someone has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good-quality sleep. The condition can be both short-term and long-term. It can also come and go and seemingly for no reason at all. But it’s not random.
Even if you have the best sleep schedule and proper environment to sleep well, insomnia can still occur and wreak havoc on your daily activities. And during your waking activities, when you’re not trying to sleep, you’ll feel sleepy and sluggish.
According to [Stanford Medicine:](https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/sleep/insomnia/types.html)
> Transient insomnia last less than one month and typically for a few nights before your sleep returns to normal. Intermittent insomnia means that you periodically get insomnia for a short time.
Short-term (known as acute) insomnia typically lasts one to six months. Acute insomnia can be caused by stress, a change in your schedule, or your environment.
Long-term (also known as chronic) insomnia is the most severe and can last several months or more. Chronic insomnia causes cannot be fully explained as quickly as acute insomnia.
Some [insomnia statistics](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/sleep-facts-statistics#:~:text=the%20United%20States.-,Statistics%20About%20Insomnia%2C%20Sleep%20Apnea%2C%20and%20Other%20Sleep%20Disorders,to%2015%25%20of%20U.S.%20adults) in the U.S. from the Sleep Foundation that are indicative of the major problem it has become include:
- Between 9 and 15 percent of U.S. adults have insomnia that affects their waking activities.
- Women are 40 percent more likely to have insomnia.
- 50 percent of pregnant women experience insomnia.
- 55 percent of nurses say they routinely experience insomnia.
- 40 percent of people with insomnia have a mental health disorder.
- 83 percent of people with depression experience at least one insomnia symptom.
- 91 percent of people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have insomnia symptoms.
If you fall into one of these groups or feel that you might, learning about insomnia symptoms and causes becomes more vital. The only things that can compare to sleep in importance are air, water, and food. You can go far longer (safely) without food than sleep.
## Types of Insomnia
There are two main types of insomnia: **primary insomnia** and **secondary insomnia**.
If you suffer from primary insomnia, your sleep issues aren’t linked to other health problems. Oftentimes, this type of insomnia is caused by a stressful life event, an uncomfortable sleeping environment, or changes in your sleep schedule due to jet lag or a new work schedule.
People who are part of an insomnia study are usually from this group.
If you suffer from secondary insomnia, your issues with sleeping stem from another health condition. Most people who have insomnia fall into this group. Health conditions that can lead to secondary insomnia include:
- **Depression**
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Heartburn
- Substance abuse
This type of insomnia can also result from hyperthyroidism or other endocrine problems.
## Signs of Insomnia
It’s important to remember that if you experience any signs of insomnia listed below, you should talk with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Don’t misjudge how important good sleep is.
So, how can you tell if you’re suffering from insomnia or just a poor night of sleep? Here are the top signs of insomnia to watch out for.
### 1\. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the top signs that you’re suffering from insomnia. The average adult needs around 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. If you’re getting less than that, then there’s a good chance you’ll wake up feeling fatigued.
Many people find that their fatigue stays with them throughout the day, and they lack the motivation to participate in daily activities.
### 2\. Trouble Falling Asleep
Those who suffer from insomnia also tend to have trouble falling asleep. Some insomnia sufferers have trouble falling asleep at a particular time, even if their body is tired.
*You are thinking about things that make you overwhelmed or anxious before bed can contribute to this symptom.*
For some people, all it takes is a solid bedtime routine to fix this issue. This may include:
- Taking a warm shower
- Putting your phone and other devices down an hour before bedtime
- Meditating or stretching
- Reading or journaling
If you’ve tried all these tactics and still have trouble falling asleep, there’s a good chance that insomnia is to blame.
### 3\. Trouble Staying Asleep
For some people with insomnia, falling asleep is not the problem. Instead, staying asleep is the problem.
Those who suffer from insomnia often wake up in the middle of the night. And they have trouble falling back asleep within 30 minutes.
If you’re looking for some home remedies and lifestyle changes for this, try to avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine use, especially before bedtime. Avoid large meals before bedtime so you’re more comfortable, and your body will perform repair functions while you sleep instead of digestion. It’s a win-win.
If you wake up in the middle of the night for bathroom breaks, you should also avoid beverages before bedtime. Experiment and keep a record of how long before your bedtime you stop drinking beverages. See if you can find a sweet spot.
You should also make your bedroom as comfortable as possible for quality sleep. This includes a cooler temperature, bedding that keeps you cool at night, and a room without noise and light. And if you only use your bedroom for sex or sleep, your brain, and body will become more conditioned to expect one or the other when in that room.
Finally, try creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath, doing yoga or stretching, reading, or listening to soft music—nothing visual, as this will overstimulate your brain and have the opposite effect.
### 4\. Waking Up Too Early
We often think waking up early shows motivation and good health. But this isn’t always the case. If you go to sleep at 11 pm, then ideally, you should be waking up somewhere between 6 am and 8 am.
If you wake up a couple of hours or more before your alarm, then there’s a good chance that you have insomnia.
You can always experiment with a different sleep schedule if this happens. Try going to bed earlier and continue to monitor what time you wake up. A small change can have a big impact.
### 5\. Trouble Concentrating
Difficulty concentrating is one of the most common side effects of sleep deprivation. This can impair your judgment and make it difficult for you to make decisions.
This is especially important in your work environment. Your productivity can falter, and if you’re working with machinery or a medical professional, your sleepiness can have a major negative impact.
If you frequently struggle to concentrate throughout the day, insomnia may be the issue.
### 6\. Mood Swings and Behavioral Issues
It’s no secret that not getting enough sleep can make us feel grumpier.
However, if you’re suffering from insomnia, it could lead to severe mood swings. These mood swings may even indicate that you’re suffering from anxiety or depression.
These mood swings may cause you to act like you usually wouldn’t. For example, you may act aggressively or impulsively when confronted with irritating situations that you’d typically handle easily.
And if these mood swings cause stress or other problems, your insomnia could worsen.
### 7\. Relationship Stress
There are a lot of things that can contribute to stress in a relationship, including insomnia.
A lot of times, those who suffer from insomnia find that it’s hard to be around others. You may lash out or lose patience in situations that normally wouldn’t upset you.
From your co-workers to your family members, no relationship is safe from this negative impact you may feel powerless to control. But don’t worry; you can overcome insomnia and its harmful effects.
### 8\. Lack of Coordination
There are also physical signs of insomnia that you should be aware of. One of the most common physical signs is a lack of coordination.
Those who suffer from insomnia often find that their movements are more sluggish and that they have trouble focusing their eyes on one spot. [One study found](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/8269657/Being-tired-behind-the-wheel-as-bad-as-being-drunk.html) that driving for over three hours at night without a break is the same as being drunk behind the wheel.
### 9\. Memory Issues
If you’re having trouble remembering things, that’s another sign that you may suffer from insomnia.
When your body is asleep, your brain processes the events of the day and turns them into memories. If you’re short on sleep, remembering certain things can make it more difficult.
According to an article in [Medical News Today](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/255511#:~:text=Poor%20quality%20sleep%20in%20adults,forgetfulness%20and%20difficulty%20remembering%20names.), researchers found that:
> vital brain waves during sleep play a crucial role in storing memories. Those brain waves transfer memories from a part of the brain called the hippocampus to the prefrontal cortex. This is your brain’s storage area for long-term memories.
When you suffer from poor sleep quality, memories can get stuck in the hippocampus and never reach the prefrontal cortex. This results in forgetfulness, cognitive impairment, and other memory issues like not remembering names.

## How to Diagnose Insomnia
It should go without saying (and yet we are) that you should leave all healthcare-related diagnoses to medical professionals.
However, it would be best if you were prepared to answer questions related to your insomnia. Some online research can better help you understand the causes and signs and make it easier to explain them to your doctor.
When diagnosing your insomnia, your healthcare provider may ask about your sleep habits. You should be prepared ahead of time and begin to keep a sleep diary. Write down everything, and try to begin this practice a few weeks before your appointment.
Your doctor might also recommend a variety of healthy lifestyle habits. Setting up a regular sleep schedule is perhaps the most straightforward change. And your healthcare provider might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy and maybe even medications to help better manage your insomnia.
The problem with insomnia is that there aren’t any tests that can measure it precisely. Instead, your physician can use several tests to help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These tests can include:
- Sleep apnea testing by way of an overnight sleep study, known as polysomnography
- A sleep apnea screening device that you can do on your own and at home
- Actigraphy using a wearable sensor that monitors your rest-activities cycles
- Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to measure excessive daytime sleepiness or whatever hours you usually sleep
Other tests for insomnia may also be used depending on your symptoms and other factors. You should be prepared for some digging and time to find the root cause of your insomnia. It’s easier said than done, even for medical professionals.
## Causes of Insomnia
As mentioned earlier, stress and lifestyle changes can often lead to primary insomnia, while underlying health conditions often lead to secondary insomnia.
It’s important to understand that some people are at a higher risk of developing insomnia than others. Women are at more risk than men, and older people are at more risk than younger people.
Young and middle-aged Black Americans also have a higher risk of developing insomnia. You’re also at a higher risk if you suffer from a long-term illness or mental health condition.
Certain medications can also put you at risk of developing insomnia. These include:
- Alpha and beta blockers
- Statins
- Corticosteroids
- Antidepressants and SSRIs
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor-blockers
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme
- Nonsedating H1 agonists
You can talk to your doctor about switching if you take any of these medications.
## Preventing Insomnia
Luckily, there are many things you can do to prevent insomnia from happening in the first place. This includes:
- Going to sleep at the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning
- Avoiding taking naps during the day
- Avoiding nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol late in the day (Nicotine and caffeine are stimulants that can keep you up, while alcohol is a depressant that can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and harm your sleep quality)
- Avoiding eating big meals late in the day
- Making your bedroom a comfortable sleeping environment (i.e., make sure its dark, calm, and quiet)
- Following a relaxing bedtime routine
- Doing something calming if you can’t fall asleep
- **Getting regular exercise**
- Avoiding exercising too close to your bedtime
As mentioned earlier, you should stop using technological devices for about an hour before bedtime. A stimulated brain is not prepared for a restful night’s sleep.
Reading an excellent [sleep guide](https://beloitmattress.com/best-sleep-guide/) might also help you better understand sleep on a general level.
## Treatments of Insomnia
You may not need any treatment if you’re suffering from short-term insomnia. Oftentimes, this type of insomnia resolves on its own.
While treating your insomnia with over-the-counter medications may be tempting, you should avoid doing so, as these can come with adverse side effects and tend to lose their effect over time.
In some cases, doctors will prescribe sleeping pills for a short period for those suffering from acute insomnia. If you suffer from chronic insomnia, you must treat the underlying health condition keeping you awake at night.
For example, if you’re suffering from depression, your doctor may prescribe medication or refer you to a therapist.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) is often the preferred initial treatment for chronic insomnia. Multiple healthcare societies and guidelines endorse this as a first-line treatment for insomnia.
The evidence base is more robust for CBT-I than most medications, and it pays to be informed before seeing a healthcare provider. And if you’re not making progress with your general physician, it may be time to find a sleep specialist.
A sleep specialist is an expert at diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. The tests that a sleep specialist may do can include those to measure and/or confirm or deny:
- Your insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Sleep apnea
- Restless leg syndrome
What should you look for in a sleep specialist? Neurologists, pulmonologists, or psychiatrists who have completed training in sleep medicine are all excellent choices to help you find the root cause of your insomnia.
Would you like to take a sleep test that asks about your sleep habits and can put you on the correct path toward understanding it and finding a solution? Thanks to StellarSleep.com, you can take that **[comprehensive insomnia symptom test](https://stellarsleep.com/quiz)**.
## FAQs
### How do I know if I have insomnia?
Insomnia is difficult to diagnose and is best left to medical professionals with experience. However, if you’re experiencing common insomnia symptoms or have ideas on what may be causing it, your physician will have more to work with. And consider keeping a sleep diary to help with that.
### What is the leading cause of insomnia?
There is no singular leading cause of insomnia. Common causes include:
- Stress
- Lifestyle changes
- Underlying medical conditions
- Your age
- Your sex
- Your ethnicity
- Certain prescription medications
### How do I fix insomnia?
The first step to fixing your insomnia is to get a diagnosis from your doctor or a sleep specialist. However, it would be best if you were prepared to answer questions about your sleep habits, lifestyle habits, medications, underlying medical conditions, etc. Keep a sleep journal for at least two weeks before your appointment. Anything you can do to assist your doctor in making what is often a problematic diagnosis will help remedy your insomnia.
### How does a person with insomnia feel?
There are many signs of insomnia, and these include:
- Daytime fatigue or whatever hours you’re usually awake
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Waking too early and not getting enough sleep
- Trouble concentrating
- Mood swings
- Relationship stress
- Lack of coordination
- Memory issues
The more symptoms you can identify, the greater your chance of insomnia. Your doctor will want to know what symptoms you’re experiencing; keeping a sleep journal can help. Aim to do that at least two weeks before your appointment.
### Are you researching right now?
Check out our newest [Mattress Buying Guide](https://beloitmattress.com/mattress-buying-guide/) and [How to Experience The Best Sleep Guide.](https://beloitmattress.com/best-sleep-guide/) ***Both are free\!***
[](https://beloitmattress.com/mattress-buying-guide/) [](https://beloitmattress.com/best-sleep-guide/) |
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