🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 98 (from laksa021)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa098.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia","crawl_time":1775016413,"first_indexed_time":1507106033,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,healthline!www,\/health\/insomnia s443","src_root_hash":"11478817528691466898","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Insomnia: Causes, Symptoms, Types, and More","meta_descriptions":["Insomnia makes it difficult for you to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. Get information on risk factors, symptoms, tests, treatments, and home remedies here."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder.\nAmong sleep disorders, insomnia is the most common. According to the\nAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA)\n, about a third of adults report some insomnia symptoms.\nTypical insomnia symptoms\ninclude\n:\nwaking too early and finding yourself unable to fall back asleep\nspending a lot of the night lying awake, worrying you won’t fall asleep\na consistent pattern of interrupted or broken sleep that doesn’t refresh you\ntrouble falling asleep after going to bed\nAs a result, you might begin to experience other symptoms related to lack of sleep, including:\nfatigue\nand daytime sleepiness\nirritability\nand other\nmood changes\ndifficulty concentrating\nor remembering things\nExperts describe insomnia in different ways, depending on its characteristics.\nTypes of insomnia\ncan include:\nAcute insomnia:\nThis type refers to short-term sleeping difficulties that generally last no more than a few weeks.\nChronic insomnia:\nLong-lasting insomnia that affects your sleep for at least\n3 days\nevery week for a period of 3 months or longer is referred to as\nchronic insomnia\n. It can be primary (idiopathic) with no known cause, or secondary (comorbid), relating to another health condition.\nOnset insomnia:\nIf you have difficulty falling asleep, you may have onset insomnia. Trouble getting to sleep might result from caffeine use, mental health symptoms, or other common insomnia triggers, but it can also develop with other sleep disorders.\nMaintenance insomnia occurs when you have trouble remaining asleep once you get to sleep or consistently wake up too early. This type of insomnia might relate to underlying health and mental health symptoms,\nbut lying awake and worrying you won’t get enough sleep can make it worse.\nBehavioral insomnia of childhood:\nDoctors diagnose this type of insomnia in children who have consistent\ntrouble falling asleep\n, refusal to go to bed, or both. Children with this condition often benefit from learning self-soothing strategies and following a regular sleep routine.\nCauses of insomnia can vary depending on which type you have.\nChronic insomnia\ncan occur\nas a result of:\nchronic pain conditions, such as\narthritis\nor\nback pain\npsychological conditions, such as\nanxiety\n,\ndepression\n, or\nsubstance use disorders\nsleep apnea\nand other sleep disorders\nhealth conditions such as\ndiabetes\nor\ngastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)\nRisk factors for insomnia\nInsomnia\nis related to age, sex, and genetics. It’s more common in certain life phases, including:\nin\nolder adulthood\njust before, during, and after\nmenopause\nin people who are pregnant\na sedentary lifestyle\nshift work\ntaking naps\ndrinking caffeine\nInsomnia and pregnancy\nInsomnia is common during pregnancy, especially in the\nfirst\nand\nthird\ntrimesters.\nPregnancy-related insomnia\nusually passes and doesn’t affect your baby’s development. But getting the right amount of sleep is important for your overall well-being.\nLifestyle changes that could help include:\neating a\nbalanced diet\nmaintaining a consistent sleep schedule\npracticing relaxation techniques during the day to help ease anxiety and promote calm\nChildren and\nteens\ncan develop insomnia often for the same reasons as adults.\nSymptoms can include:\ndaytime sleepiness or restlessness\nirritability and mood changes\nrepeated disciplinary issues\nproblems with memory and focus\nThe first step to treating insomnia in children generally involves\nsetting a firm bedtime\nand sticking to it. Other helpful tips include:\ncreating a soothing bedtime routine\nfollowing good sleep hygiene practices, like avoiding screen time near bedtime\nreducing sources of stress in your child’s life\nA therapist or pediatrician can offer more guidance on treating insomnia in children.\nAccording to 2019 research,\nup to 75%\nof older adults experience some symptoms of insomnia.\nage-related changes in the\ncircadian rhythms\nretirement, as you may no longer have a consistent daytime schedule or get regular social interaction\nsocial isolation can contribute to loneliness and increase your chances of experiencing\ndepression\nhealth concerns related to aging, including chronic pain conditions\ndaytime napping, if you’re not getting enough sleep at night, can leave you less tired at bedtime, fueling a cycle of sleeplessness\nIf you experience insomnia, a therapist or clinician can offer more support in finding helpful treatment options.\nTo diagnose insomnia, a healthcare professional will ask questions about:\nany existing medical conditions\nphysical and mental health symptoms you’ve noticed\nstressors in your personal or professional life\nsleep history, including how long you’ve had symptoms and how they affect you\nThis can help determine the underlying causes of your sleep problems. They may also ask you to keep an app-based or written sleep log for 2 to 4 weeks, tracking:\nwhat time you go to bed\nthe approximate time it takes you to fall\nasleep\nany instances of repeated waking in the night\nwhat time you wake up each day\nThey may order medical tests or blood work to help rule out medical conditions that can interfere with sleep.\nYou’ll likely receive a clinical diagnosis of insomnia if your sleep difficulties occur at least 3 nights a week for a minimum of 3 months and if they create major distress or difficulties in your daily life.\nCognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)\nWith support from a therapist, you can learn specific techniques to address insomnia, including:\nStimulus control:\nteaches you to get out of bed and find a quiet and relaxing activity until you feel sleepy, limiting the time you may\nlie awake and worry about falling asleep\nSleep restriction:\nrestricts and then gradually increases the amount of time you spend in bed\nBright light therapy:\nexposes you to\nbright light\nin the morning or evening, depending on whether you have more trouble falling asleep or staying asleep\nA therapist may also offer guidance on relaxation techniques\nand\nsleep hygiene practices\nthat address behaviors that prevent\nyou from getting quality sleep.\nA therapist can also identify underlying mental health symptoms contributing to insomnia or making your symptoms worse. Addressing these triggers and contributing factors can go a long way toward relieving insomnia.\nMedications and supplements\nYour clinician might\nprescribe medication\n(or Z-drugs) if therapy and lifestyle changes don’t work. Example medications include:\neszopiclone\n(Lunesta)\nzolpidem\n(Ambien)\ntriazolam (Halcion)\nThey may recommend a medication in combination with therapy with the goal of ultimately sleeping without medication.\nOver-the-counter (OTC) supplements like\nmelatonin\ncan offer some relief from insomnia. Melatonin supplements may slightly\ndecrease the time\nit takes you to fall asleep.\nSupport for melatonin as an insomnia treatment remains inconclusive. Experts have yet to confirm whether it’s\nsafe to use melatonin long term\n, though it’s generally considered safe for short-term use.\nCheck in with a healthcare professional before trying supplements like melatonin or OTC medications to help ease insomnia. These medications may\ninteract\nwith other prescription and OTC medications or cause side effects.\nIf you’re pregnant, always ask your healthcare team before taking any medications or supplements.\nOther approaches\nLifestyle changes and\nhome remedies\ncan often help manage insomnia symptoms. You can try:\nNatural sleep aids:\nBefore bed, try\nwarm milk\n,\nherbal tea\n, or\nvalerian\n. Relaxing\nessential oil\naromatherapy using oils like\nlavender\nand\npeppermint\nmay also\noffer some sleep benefits\n.\nMeditation:\nPromote relaxation with mindful meditation. It\nimproves sleep quality\nand relieves stress, which might\ncontribute to insomnia. Many\napps\ncan help you start\nmeditation.\nAcupuncture:\nMany people find this\ntraditional Chinese medicine technique\nhelpful for easing insomnia symptoms.\nExercise:\nAt least 30 minutes of regular exercise can\nhelp you fall asleep\nand improve the quality of your sleep by releasing melatonin.\nIt’s not always possible to prevent insomnia, but practicing sleep hygiene may help you\nget the sleep you need\n:\nTry to maintain roughly the same sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends.\nCreate a relaxing\nbedtime routine\nthat prepares you to sleep.\nDim the lights and\nput down electronic devices\nan hour before bedtime.\nAvoid napping, especially if sleeping during the day keeps you awake at night.\nInsomnia is a sleep disorder that can affect your mental and emotional health and physical well-being.\nCauses and risk factors vary depending on the type of insomnia, but many treatments exist.\nConnect with a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you think you have insomnia. They can help you explore possible causes and offer support in finding the best insomnia treatment for your needs.","attrs_markdown":"- Health Conditions\n  Health Conditions\n  \n  [All](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n  \n  - [Breast Cancer](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/breast-cancer)\n  - [Cancer Care](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/cancer-care)\n  - [Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/alzheimers-disease)\n  - [Chronic Kidney Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/ckd)\n  - [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/copd)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/digestive-health)\n  - [Eye Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/eye-health)\n  - [Heart Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/heart-health)\n  - [Menopause](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/menopause)\n  - [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/mental-health)\n  - [Migraine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/migraine)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis (MS)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/multiple-sclerosis)\n  - 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[Treatment](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/sleep\/how-to-cure-insomnia-in-12-minutes)\n  - [Treatment](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-treatments)\n  - [Chronic](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/chronic-insomnia)\n  - [Specialists](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-doctors)\n- ### Types\n  Types\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Types](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/types-of-insomnia)\n  - [Paradoxical Insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/paradoxical-insomnia)\n  - [Sporadic Fatal](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/sporadic-fatal-insomnia)\n  - [Middle](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/middle-insomnia)\n- ### Prognosis\n  Prognosis\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Outlook](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/infographic-facts-stats-on-insomnia)\n- ### Symptoms\n  Symptoms\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Effects on the Body](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-concerns)\n  - [Difficulty Sleeping](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/sleeping-difficulty)\n- ### Diagnosis\n  Diagnosis\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/do-i-have-insomnia)\n  - [Waking Up Too Early](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/waking-up-too-early)\n  - [Typical Time to Fall Asleep](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/healthy-sleep\/how-long-does-it-take-to-fall-asleep)\n  - [Light Sleepers](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/light-sleeper)\n  - [In Men](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-in-men)\n- ### Causes & Risk Factors\n  Causes & Risk Factors\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Causes and Risk Factors](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-causes)\n  - [After Surgery](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-after-surgery)\n  - [Vaccines](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/vaccinations\/can-vaccines-cause-insomnia)\n  - [Hormones](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/hormonal-insomnia-symptoms)\n  - [Anxiety-Induced](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/anxiety-insomnia)\n  - [Dehydration](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/dehydration-insomnia-symptoms)\n  - [In Teenagers](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/insomnia-in-teens)\n  - [Neurological Conditions](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/insomnia-neurological-causes)\n  - [Genetics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/is-insomnia-genetic)\n  - [In Women](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/causes-of-insomnia-in-females)\n- ### Management\n  Management\n  \n  #### Related Hub\n  [![Tools for Sleep](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Sleep-health-better-tools-for-better-sleep.png)Tools for Sleep Products, apps, and more to help you sleep](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sleep\/sleep-tools)\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Taking Atihistamines](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/healthy-sleep\/antihistamine-for-sleep)\n  - [Noises for Sleep](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pink-noise-sleep)\n  - [Postpartum](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/postpartum-insomnia)\n  - [Talking with a Doctor](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/insomnia-doctors-appointment-tips)\n  - [Best Weighted Blankets](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/choose-right-size-weighted-blanket)\n- ### Diet\n  Diet\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Drinks to Help Sleep](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/drinks-that-help-you-sleep)\n- ### Related Conditions\n  Related Conditions\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Menopause-Related Insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/menopause\/menopause-and-insomnia)\n  - [PMS Insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/pms-insomnia)\n  - [High Blood Pressure](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/high-blood-pressure\/can-high-blood-pressure-cause-insomnia)\n  - [OCD](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/ocd\/ocd-and-insomnia)\n  - [Sleep Apnea](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-vs-sleep-apnea)\n- ### Complications\n  Complications\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Heart Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/how-insomnia-affects-your-heart)\n\n# Everything You Need to Know About Insomnia\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Thomas-Johnson-500x500-Bio1.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Thomas Johnson, PA-C]() — Written by [Karen Lamoreux]() and [Crystal Raypole]() —  [Updated on April 18, 2025]()\n\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia#symptoms)\n- [Types](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia#types)\n- [Causes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia#causes)\n- [In children](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia#in-children)\n- [In older adults](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia#in-older-adults)\n- [Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia#diagnosis)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia#treatment)\n- [Complications](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia#complications)\n- [Prevention](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia#prevention)\n- [Takeaway](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia#takeaway)\n\n### Key takeaways\n- Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that means you’re unable to get the sleep you need to feel refreshed. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, and feeling unrefreshed, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and concentration problems.\n- Causes of insomnia can include stress and chronic conditions. Your age, lifestyle habits, and certain life phases like pregnancy and menopause can also play a role in whether you experience insomnia.\n- Treatment options for insomnia include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies like meditation and herbal teas. Follow a healthcare professional’s guidance for personalized care.\n\nInsomnia is a type of sleep disorder.\n\nAmong sleep disorders, insomnia is the most common. According to the [American Psychiatric Association (APA)](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/sleep-disorders\/what-are-sleep-disorders), about a third of adults report some insomnia symptoms.\n\n### A note for Veterans\nInsomnia is a common and complex obstacle for Veterans. To address sleep, veterans and their caregivers can explore how other elements of health, such as nutrition, mental wellness, and fitness, contribute to improving rest.\n\nYou may find additional guidance and information in our [resources hub for Veterans](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/program\/veterans-care).\n\n## [Insomnia symptoms]()\nTypical insomnia symptoms [include](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/insomnia\/symptoms):\n\n- waking too early and finding yourself unable to fall back asleep\n- spending a lot of the night lying awake, worrying you won’t fall asleep\n- a consistent pattern of interrupted or broken sleep that doesn’t refresh you\n- trouble falling asleep after going to bed\n\nAs a result, you might begin to experience other symptoms related to lack of sleep, including:\n\n- [fatigue](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/fatigue) and daytime sleepiness\n- [irritability](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/irritability) and other [mood changes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rapid-mood-swings)\n- [difficulty concentrating](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/unable-to-concentrate) or remembering things\n\n**»Read More:**[Signs You May Have Insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/do-i-have-insomnia)\n\n## [Types of insomnia]()\nExperts describe insomnia in different ways, depending on its characteristics. [Types of insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/types-of-insomnia) can include:\n\n- **Acute insomnia:** This type refers to short-term sleeping difficulties that generally last no more than a few weeks.\n- **Chronic insomnia:** Long-lasting insomnia that affects your sleep for at least\n  [3 days](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/insomnia)\n  every week for a period of 3 months or longer is referred to as [chronic insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/chronic-insomnia). It can be primary (idiopathic) with no known cause, or secondary (comorbid), relating to another health condition.\n- **Onset insomnia:** If you have difficulty falling asleep, you may have onset insomnia. Trouble getting to sleep might result from caffeine use, mental health symptoms, or other common insomnia triggers, but it can also develop with other sleep disorders.\n- Maintenance insomnia occurs when you have trouble remaining asleep once you get to sleep or consistently wake up too early. This type of insomnia might relate to underlying health and mental health symptoms, but lying awake and worrying you won’t get enough sleep can make it worse.\n- **Behavioral insomnia of childhood:** Doctors diagnose this type of insomnia in children who have consistent [trouble falling asleep](https:\/\/www.thoracic.org\/patients\/patient-resources\/resources\/behavioral-insomnia-childhood.pdf), refusal to go to bed, or both. Children with this condition often benefit from learning self-soothing strategies and following a regular sleep routine.\n\n## [Insomnia causes and risk factors]()\nCauses of insomnia can vary depending on which type you have.\n\nPossible [causes](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jama\/fullarticle\/2787317) of acute insomnia are recent stressors, such as an upsetting or [traumatic event](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/traumatic-events) or [jet lag](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/jet-lag).\n\nChronic insomnia [can occur](https:\/\/sleepeducation.org\/sleep-disorders\/insomnia\/) as a result of:\n\n- chronic pain conditions, such as [arthritis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rheumatoid-arthritis-insomnia-sleep-problems) or [back pain](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/healthy-sleep\/best-sleeping-position-for-lower-back-pain)\n- psychological conditions, such as [anxiety](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/anxiety-insomnia), [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/treating-insomnia-and-depression), or [substance use disorders](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drug-abuse)\n- [sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-vs-sleep-apnea) and other sleep disorders\n- health conditions such as [diabetes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diabetes\/diabetes-and-sleep) or [gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/gerd\/improve-sleep)\n### Risk factors for insomnia\n[Insomnia](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/insomnia\/causes) is related to age, sex, and genetics. It’s more common in certain life phases, including:\n\n- in [older adulthood](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/sleep\/sleep-disorders-in-the-elderly)\n- just before, during, and after [menopause](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/menopause\/menopause-and-insomnia)\n- in people who are pregnant\n\nOther [risk factors associated with insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/infographic-facts-stats-on-insomnia) include:\n\n- a sedentary lifestyle\n- shift work\n- taking naps\n- [drinking caffeine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/caffeine-effects-on-body)\n### Insomnia and pregnancy\nInsomnia is common during pregnancy, especially in the [first](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pregnancy\/early-insomnia) and [third](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pregnancy\/third-trimester-pain-insomnia) trimesters.\n\n[Pregnancy-related insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pregnancy\/early-insomnia) usually passes and doesn’t affect your baby’s development. But getting the right amount of sleep is important for your overall well-being.\n\nLifestyle changes that could help include:\n\n- eating a [balanced diet](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pregnancy\/diet-nutrition)\n- maintaining a consistent sleep schedule\n- practicing relaxation techniques during the day to help ease anxiety and promote calm\n\n## [Insomnia in children]()\nChildren and [teens](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/insomnia-in-teens) can develop insomnia often for the same reasons as adults.\n\nSymptoms can include:\n\n- daytime sleepiness or restlessness\n- irritability and mood changes\n- repeated disciplinary issues\n- problems with memory and focus\n\nThe first step to treating insomnia in children generally involves [setting a firm bedtime](https:\/\/childmind.org\/article\/how-to-help-kids-sleep\/) and sticking to it. Other helpful tips include:\n\n- creating a soothing bedtime routine\n- following good sleep hygiene practices, like avoiding screen time near bedtime\n- reducing sources of stress in your child’s life\n\nA therapist or pediatrician can offer more guidance on treating insomnia in children.\n\n**»Read More:**[Tips to Get Your Kids to Sleep](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/tips-get-your-kids-sleep)\n\n## [Insomnia in older adulthood]()\nAccording to 2019 research, [up to 75%](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7731454\/) of older adults experience some symptoms of insomnia.\n\nDifferent factors contribute to [insomnia in older adulthood](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/sleep\/sleep-disorders-in-the-elderly), and these can have a domino effect:\n\n- age-related changes in the [circadian rhythms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/healthy-sleep\/circadian-rhythm)\n- retirement, as you may no longer have a consistent daytime schedule or get regular social interaction\n- social isolation can contribute to loneliness and increase your chances of experiencing [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/depression\/elderly)\n- health concerns related to aging, including chronic pain conditions\n- daytime napping, if you’re not getting enough sleep at night, can leave you less tired at bedtime, fueling a cycle of sleeplessness\n\nIf you experience insomnia, a therapist or clinician can offer more support in finding helpful treatment options.\n\n## [Receiving an insomnia diagnosis]()\nTo diagnose insomnia, a healthcare professional will ask questions about:\n\n- any existing medical conditions\n- physical and mental health symptoms you’ve noticed\n- stressors in your personal or professional life\n- sleep history, including how long you’ve had symptoms and how they affect you\n\nThis can help determine the underlying causes of your sleep problems. They may also ask you to keep an app-based or written sleep log for 2 to 4 weeks, tracking:\n\n- what time you go to bed\n- the approximate time it takes you to fall asleep\n- any instances of repeated waking in the night\n- what time you wake up each day\n\nThey may order medical tests or blood work to help rule out medical conditions that can interfere with sleep.\n\nIf they suspect you could have an underlying sleep disorder, such as [obstructive sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/sleep\/obstructive-sleep-apnea), they may recommend a [sleep study](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/sleep\/what-is-a-sleep-study).\n\nYou’ll likely receive a clinical diagnosis of insomnia if your sleep difficulties occur at least 3 nights a week for a minimum of 3 months and if they create major distress or difficulties in your daily life.\n\n## [Treating insomnia]()\nYou have several [options for treating insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-treatments), including therapy, medications, supplements, and natural remedies.\n\n### Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)\nThe [American College of Physicians (ACP)](https:\/\/www.acpjournals.org\/doi\/10.7326\/m15-2175) recommends [CBT-I](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-insomnia) as a first-line treatment for [chronic insomnia](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK526136\/) in adults.\n\nWith support from a therapist, you can learn specific techniques to address insomnia, including:\n\n- **Stimulus control:** teaches you to get out of bed and find a quiet and relaxing activity until you feel sleepy, limiting the time you may lie awake and worry about falling asleep\n- **Sleep restriction:** restricts and then gradually increases the amount of time you spend in bed\n- **Bright light therapy:** exposes you to [bright light](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/light-for-sleep) in the morning or evening, depending on whether you have more trouble falling asleep or staying asleep\n\nA therapist may also offer guidance on relaxation techniques and [sleep hygiene practices](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/sleep-hygiene) that address behaviors that prevent you from getting quality sleep.\n\nA therapist can also identify underlying mental health symptoms contributing to insomnia or making your symptoms worse. Addressing these triggers and contributing factors can go a long way toward relieving insomnia.\n\n### Medications and supplements\nYour clinician might [prescribe medication](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/taking-z-drugs-insomnia-know-risks) (or Z-drugs) if therapy and lifestyle changes don’t work. Example medications include:\n\n- [eszopiclone](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/eszopiclone-oral-tablet) (Lunesta)\n- [zolpidem](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/zolpidem-oral-tablet) (Ambien)\n- triazolam (Halcion)\n\nThey may recommend a medication in combination with therapy with the goal of ultimately sleeping without medication.\n\nOver-the-counter (OTC) supplements like [melatonin](https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know) can offer some relief from insomnia. Melatonin supplements may slightly [decrease the time](https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-disorders-and-complementary-health-approaches) it takes you to fall asleep.\n\nSupport for melatonin as an insomnia treatment remains inconclusive. Experts have yet to confirm whether it’s [safe to use melatonin long term](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/melatonin-side-effects), though it’s generally considered safe for short-term use.\n\n> Check in with a healthcare professional before trying supplements like melatonin or OTC medications to help ease insomnia. These medications may [interact](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drug-interactions) with other prescription and OTC medications or cause side effects.  \n>   \n> If you’re pregnant, always ask your healthcare team before taking any medications or supplements.\n### Other approaches\nLifestyle changes and [home remedies](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/healthy-sleep\/insomnia-home-remedies) can often help manage insomnia symptoms. You can try:\n\n- **Natural sleep aids:** Before bed, try [warm milk](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/food-nutrition\/warm-milk-to-sleep), [herbal tea](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/teas-that-help-you-sleep), or [valerian](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/valerian-root). Relaxing [essential oil](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/healthy-sleep\/essential-oils-for-sleep) aromatherapy using oils like [lavender](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/what-lavender-can-do-for-you) and [peppermint](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/benefits-of-peppermint-oil) may also\n  [offer some sleep benefits](https:\/\/sleep.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s41606-020-00047-x)\n  .\n- **Meditation:** Promote relaxation with mindful meditation. It\n  [improves sleep quality](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7790277\/)\n  and relieves stress, which might contribute to insomnia. Many [apps](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mental-health\/top-meditation-iphone-android-apps) can help you start meditation.\n- **Acupuncture:** Many people find this [traditional Chinese medicine technique](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/acupuncture-for-sleep) helpful for easing insomnia symptoms.\n- **Exercise:** At least 30 minutes of regular exercise can\n  [help you fall asleep](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10503965\/)\n  and improve the quality of your sleep by releasing melatonin.\n\n**»More:**[Shop our expert-verified products for achieving deeper sleep.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/reviews\/sleep-products)\n\n## [Insomnia complications]()\nYour brain can’t carry out important functions that keep it running smoothly when you don’t get enough sleep. That may be why you feel foggy and have trouble focusing when you get insufficient sleep.\n\nInsomnia can have more serious health effects over time. It’s [linked](https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/public-education\/brain-basics\/brain-basics-understanding-sleep) to:\n\n- [Alzheimer’s disease](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6876903\/)\n- [high blood pressure](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/high-blood-pressure-hypertension)\n- [heart disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease)\n- [diabetes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diabetes)\n- [obesity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/obesity)\n- [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/depression)\n- [asthma](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6390785\/)\n- [thyroid disorders](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6390785\/)\n- [some types of cancer](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31352687\/)\n\nInsomnia can also [increase your risk](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10926017\/) of:\n\n- making errors and worsened performance at school or work\n- car accidents\n- difficulty remembering and concentrating\n\n**»Read More:**[Effects of Insomnia on the Body](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-concerns)\n\n## [Preventing insomnia]()\nIt’s not always possible to prevent insomnia, but practicing sleep hygiene may help you [get the sleep you need](https:\/\/familydoctor.org\/condition\/insomnia\/):\n\n- Try to maintain roughly the same sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends.\n- Create a relaxing [bedtime routine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/nighttime-routine) that prepares you to sleep.\n- Dim the lights and [put down electronic devices](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/block-blue-light-to-sleep-better) an hour before bedtime.\n- Avoid napping, especially if sleeping during the day keeps you awake at night.\n\n**»Read More:**[Top 15 Proven Tips to Sleep Better at Night](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/17-tips-to-sleep-better)\n\n## [The bottom line]()\nInsomnia is a sleep disorder that can affect your mental and emotional health and physical well-being.\n\nCauses and risk factors vary depending on the type of insomnia, but many treatments exist.\n\nConnect with a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you think you have insomnia. They can help you explore possible causes and offer support in finding the best insomnia treatment for your needs.\n\n[Read this article in Spanish.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/es\/insomnio)\n\n### How we reviewed this article:\nSources\n\nHistory\n\nHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/process).\n\n- Alnawwar MA, et al. (2023). The effect of physical activity on sleep quality and sleep disorder: A systematic review.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10503965>\n- Arky B. (2023). How to help kids who have trouble sleeping.  \n  <https:\/\/childmind.org\/article\/how-to-help-kids-sleep\/>\n- Behavioral insomnia of childhood. (2021).  \n  <https:\/\/www.thoracic.org\/patients\/patient-resources\/resources\/behavioral-insomnia-childhood.pdf>\n- Bollu PC, et al. (2019). Sleep medicine: Insomnia and sleep.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6390785>\n- Brain basics: Understanding sleep. (2025).  \n  <https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/public-education\/brain-basics\/brain-basics-understanding-sleep>\n- Huberty JL, et al. (2021). Testing a mindfulness meditation mobile app for the treatment of sleep-related symptoms in adults with sleep disturbance: A randomized controlled trial.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7790277\/>\n- Insomnia. (2023).  \n  <https:\/\/familydoctor.org\/condition\/insomnia\/>\n- Kaur H, et al. (2025). Chronic insomnia.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK526136>\n- Krystal AD, et al. (2021). What is insomnia?  \n  <https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jama\/fullarticle\/2787317>\n- Mahdavikian S, et al. (2020). Comparing the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender on the sleep quality of cardiac patients: A randomized controlled trial.  \n  <https:\/\/sleep.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s41606-020-00047-x>\n- Melatonin: What you need to know. (2024).  \n  <https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know>\n- Nguyen V, et al. (2019). Insomnia in older adults.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7731454>\n- Qaseem A, et al. (2016). Management of chronic insomnia disorder in adults: A clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians.  \n  <https:\/\/www.acpjournals.org\/doi\/10.7326\/m15-2175>\n- San L, et al. (2024). The night and day challenge of sleep disorders and insomnia: A narrative review.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10926017\/>\n- Shamim SA, et al. (2019). Insomnia: Risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6876903\/>\n- Shi T, et al. (2020). Does insomnia predict a high risk of cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.  \n  <https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31352687\/>\n- Sleep disorders and complementary health approaches. (2024).  \n  <https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-disorders-and-complementary-health-approaches>\n- Taking Z-drugs for insomnia? Know the risks. (2024).  \n  <https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/taking-z-drugs-insomnia-know-risks>\n- What is insomnia? (2022).  \n  <https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/insomnia>\n- What is insomnia? (2020).  \n  <https:\/\/sleepeducation.org\/sleep-disorders\/insomnia\/>\n- What are sleep disorders? (2024).  \n  <https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/sleep-disorders\/what-are-sleep-disorders>\n\nShare this article\n\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Thomas-Johnson-500x500-Bio1.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Thomas Johnson, PA-C]() — Written by [Karen Lamoreux]() and [Crystal Raypole]() —  [Updated on April 18, 2025]()\n\n## related stories\n- [Is Insomnia a Mental Illness?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/is-insomnia-a-mental-illness?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Insomnia: Facts, Statistics, and You](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/infographic-facts-stats-on-insomnia?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [What Is Psychophysiological Insomnia and What Can You Do If You Have It?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/psychophysiological-insomnia?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Overview of Secondary Insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/secondary-insomnia?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Understanding the Relationship Between Antidepressants and Insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/antidepressants-insomnia?utm_source=ReadNext)\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/contact-us)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/privacy-policy)\n- Privacy Settings\n- [Advertising Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/advertising-policy)\n- [Health Topics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sitemap)\n- [Medical Affairs](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n- [Content Integrity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/content-integrity)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/newsletter-signup)\n- © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n[About](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=about)[Careers](https:\/\/rvohealth.com\/careers)[Advertise with us](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/advertise?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=advertise)\n\nOUR BRANDS\n\n[Healthline](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/)[Medical News Today](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/)[Greatist](https:\/\/greatist.com\/)[Psych Central](https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/)[Bezzy](https:\/\/bezzy.com\/)\n\n![](http:\/\/b.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=38584006&cv=3.9&cj=1&comscorekw=main)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder.\n\nAmong sleep disorders, insomnia is the most common. According to the [American Psychiatric Association (APA)](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/sleep-disorders\/what-are-sleep-disorders), about a third of adults report some insomnia symptoms.\n\nTypical insomnia symptoms [include](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/insomnia\/symptoms):\n\n- waking too early and finding yourself unable to fall back asleep\n- spending a lot of the night lying awake, worrying you won’t fall asleep\n- a consistent pattern of interrupted or broken sleep that doesn’t refresh you\n- trouble falling asleep after going to bed\n\nAs a result, you might begin to experience other symptoms related to lack of sleep, including:\n\n- [fatigue](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/fatigue) and daytime sleepiness\n- [irritability](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/irritability) and other [mood changes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rapid-mood-swings)\n- [difficulty concentrating](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/unable-to-concentrate) or remembering things\n\nExperts describe insomnia in different ways, depending on its characteristics. [Types of insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/types-of-insomnia) can include:\n\n- **Acute insomnia:** This type refers to short-term sleeping difficulties that generally last no more than a few weeks.\n- **Chronic insomnia:** Long-lasting insomnia that affects your sleep for at least\n  [3 days](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/insomnia)\n  every week for a period of 3 months or longer is referred to as [chronic insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/chronic-insomnia). It can be primary (idiopathic) with no known cause, or secondary (comorbid), relating to another health condition.\n- **Onset insomnia:** If you have difficulty falling asleep, you may have onset insomnia. Trouble getting to sleep might result from caffeine use, mental health symptoms, or other common insomnia triggers, but it can also develop with other sleep disorders.\n- Maintenance insomnia occurs when you have trouble remaining asleep once you get to sleep or consistently wake up too early. This type of insomnia might relate to underlying health and mental health symptoms, but lying awake and worrying you won’t get enough sleep can make it worse.\n- **Behavioral insomnia of childhood:** Doctors diagnose this type of insomnia in children who have consistent [trouble falling asleep](https:\/\/www.thoracic.org\/patients\/patient-resources\/resources\/behavioral-insomnia-childhood.pdf), refusal to go to bed, or both. Children with this condition often benefit from learning self-soothing strategies and following a regular sleep routine.\n\nCauses of insomnia can vary depending on which type you have.\n\nChronic insomnia [can occur](https:\/\/sleepeducation.org\/sleep-disorders\/insomnia\/) as a result of:\n\n- chronic pain conditions, such as [arthritis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rheumatoid-arthritis-insomnia-sleep-problems) or [back pain](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/healthy-sleep\/best-sleeping-position-for-lower-back-pain)\n- psychological conditions, such as [anxiety](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/anxiety-insomnia), [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/treating-insomnia-and-depression), or [substance use disorders](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drug-abuse)\n- [sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia-vs-sleep-apnea) and other sleep disorders\n- health conditions such as [diabetes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diabetes\/diabetes-and-sleep) or [gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/gerd\/improve-sleep)\n\nRisk factors for insomnia\n\n[Insomnia](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/insomnia\/causes) is related to age, sex, and genetics. It’s more common in certain life phases, including:\n\n- in [older adulthood](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/sleep\/sleep-disorders-in-the-elderly)\n- just before, during, and after [menopause](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/menopause\/menopause-and-insomnia)\n- in people who are pregnant\n\n- a sedentary lifestyle\n- shift work\n- taking naps\n- [drinking caffeine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/caffeine-effects-on-body)\n\nInsomnia and pregnancy\n\nInsomnia is common during pregnancy, especially in the [first](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pregnancy\/early-insomnia) and [third](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pregnancy\/third-trimester-pain-insomnia) trimesters.\n\n[Pregnancy-related insomnia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pregnancy\/early-insomnia) usually passes and doesn’t affect your baby’s development. But getting the right amount of sleep is important for your overall well-being.\n\nLifestyle changes that could help include:\n\n- eating a [balanced diet](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pregnancy\/diet-nutrition)\n- maintaining a consistent sleep schedule\n- practicing relaxation techniques during the day to help ease anxiety and promote calm\n\nChildren and [teens](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/insomnia\/insomnia-in-teens) can develop insomnia often for the same reasons as adults.\n\nSymptoms can include:\n\n- daytime sleepiness or restlessness\n- irritability and mood changes\n- repeated disciplinary issues\n- problems with memory and focus\n\nThe first step to treating insomnia in children generally involves [setting a firm bedtime](https:\/\/childmind.org\/article\/how-to-help-kids-sleep\/) and sticking to it. Other helpful tips include:\n\n- creating a soothing bedtime routine\n- following good sleep hygiene practices, like avoiding screen time near bedtime\n- reducing sources of stress in your child’s life\n\nA therapist or pediatrician can offer more guidance on treating insomnia in children.\n\nAccording to 2019 research, [up to 75%](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7731454\/) of older adults experience some symptoms of insomnia.\n\n- age-related changes in the [circadian rhythms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/healthy-sleep\/circadian-rhythm)\n- retirement, as you may no longer have a consistent daytime schedule or get regular social interaction\n- social isolation can contribute to loneliness and increase your chances of experiencing [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/depression\/elderly)\n- health concerns related to aging, including chronic pain conditions\n- daytime napping, if you’re not getting enough sleep at night, can leave you less tired at bedtime, fueling a cycle of sleeplessness\n\nIf you experience insomnia, a therapist or clinician can offer more support in finding helpful treatment options.\n\nTo diagnose insomnia, a healthcare professional will ask questions about:\n\n- any existing medical conditions\n- physical and mental health symptoms you’ve noticed\n- stressors in your personal or professional life\n- sleep history, including how long you’ve had symptoms and how they affect you\n\nThis can help determine the underlying causes of your sleep problems. They may also ask you to keep an app-based or written sleep log for 2 to 4 weeks, tracking:\n\n- what time you go to bed\n- the approximate time it takes you to fall asleep\n- any instances of repeated waking in the night\n- what time you wake up each day\n\nThey may order medical tests or blood work to help rule out medical conditions that can interfere with sleep.\n\nYou’ll likely receive a clinical diagnosis of insomnia if your sleep difficulties occur at least 3 nights a week for a minimum of 3 months and if they create major distress or difficulties in your daily life.\n\nCognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)\n\nWith support from a therapist, you can learn specific techniques to address insomnia, including:\n\n- **Stimulus control:** teaches you to get out of bed and find a quiet and relaxing activity until you feel sleepy, limiting the time you may lie awake and worry about falling asleep\n- **Sleep restriction:** restricts and then gradually increases the amount of time you spend in bed\n- **Bright light therapy:** exposes you to [bright light](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/light-for-sleep) in the morning or evening, depending on whether you have more trouble falling asleep or staying asleep\n\nA therapist may also offer guidance on relaxation techniques and [sleep hygiene practices](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/sleep-hygiene) that address behaviors that prevent you from getting quality sleep.\n\nA therapist can also identify underlying mental health symptoms contributing to insomnia or making your symptoms worse. Addressing these triggers and contributing factors can go a long way toward relieving insomnia.\n\nMedications and supplements\n\nYour clinician might [prescribe medication](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/taking-z-drugs-insomnia-know-risks) (or Z-drugs) if therapy and lifestyle changes don’t work. Example medications include:\n\n- [eszopiclone](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/eszopiclone-oral-tablet) (Lunesta)\n- [zolpidem](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/zolpidem-oral-tablet) (Ambien)\n- triazolam (Halcion)\n\nThey may recommend a medication in combination with therapy with the goal of ultimately sleeping without medication.\n\nOver-the-counter (OTC) supplements like [melatonin](https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know) can offer some relief from insomnia. Melatonin supplements may slightly [decrease the time](https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-disorders-and-complementary-health-approaches) it takes you to fall asleep.\n\nSupport for melatonin as an insomnia treatment remains inconclusive. Experts have yet to confirm whether it’s [safe to use melatonin long term](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/melatonin-side-effects), though it’s generally considered safe for short-term use.\n\n> Check in with a healthcare professional before trying supplements like melatonin or OTC medications to help ease insomnia. These medications may [interact](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drug-interactions) with other prescription and OTC medications or cause side effects.\n> \n> If you’re pregnant, always ask your healthcare team before taking any medications or supplements.\n\nOther approaches\n\nLifestyle changes and [home remedies](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/healthy-sleep\/insomnia-home-remedies) can often help manage insomnia symptoms. You can try:\n\n- **Natural sleep aids:** Before bed, try [warm milk](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/food-nutrition\/warm-milk-to-sleep), [herbal tea](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/teas-that-help-you-sleep), or [valerian](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/valerian-root). Relaxing [essential oil](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/healthy-sleep\/essential-oils-for-sleep) aromatherapy using oils like [lavender](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/what-lavender-can-do-for-you) and [peppermint](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/benefits-of-peppermint-oil) may also\n  [offer some sleep benefits](https:\/\/sleep.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s41606-020-00047-x)\n  .\n- **Meditation:** Promote relaxation with mindful meditation. It\n  [improves sleep quality](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7790277\/)\n  and relieves stress, which might contribute to insomnia. Many [apps](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mental-health\/top-meditation-iphone-android-apps) can help you start meditation.\n- **Acupuncture:** Many people find this [traditional Chinese medicine technique](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/acupuncture-for-sleep) helpful for easing insomnia symptoms.\n- **Exercise:** At least 30 minutes of regular exercise can\n  [help you fall asleep](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10503965\/)\n  and improve the quality of your sleep by releasing melatonin.\n\nIt’s not always possible to prevent insomnia, but practicing sleep hygiene may help you [get the sleep you need](https:\/\/familydoctor.org\/condition\/insomnia\/):\n\n- Try to maintain roughly the same sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends.\n- Create a relaxing [bedtime routine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/nighttime-routine) that prepares you to sleep.\n- Dim the lights and [put down electronic devices](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/block-blue-light-to-sleep-better) an hour before bedtime.\n- Avoid napping, especially if sleeping during the day keeps you awake at night.\n\nInsomnia is a sleep disorder that can affect your mental and emotional health and physical well-being.\n\nCauses and risk factors vary depending on the type of insomnia, but many treatments exist.\n\nConnect with a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you think you have insomnia. 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Insomnia: Causes, Symptoms, Types, and More

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Insomnia makes it difficult for you to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. Get information on risk factors, symptoms, tests, treatments, and home remedies here.

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Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder. Among sleep disorders, insomnia is the most common. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) , about a third of adults report some insomnia symptoms. Typical insomnia symptoms include : waking too early and finding yourself unable to fall back asleep spending a lot of the night lying awake, worrying you won’t fall asleep a consistent pattern of interrupted or broken sleep that doesn’t refresh you trouble falling asleep after going to bed As a result, you might begin to experience other symptoms related to lack of sleep, including: fatigue and daytime sleepiness irritability and other mood changes difficulty concentrating or remembering things Experts describe insomnia in different ways, depending on its characteristics. Types of insomnia can include: Acute insomnia: This type refers to short-term sleeping difficulties that generally last no more than a few weeks. Chronic insomnia: Long-lasting insomnia that affects your sleep for at least 3 days every week for a period of 3 months or longer is referred to as chronic insomnia . It can be primary (idiopathic) with no known cause, or secondary (comorbid), relating to another health condition. Onset insomnia: If you have difficulty falling asleep, you may have onset insomnia. Trouble getting to sleep might result from caffeine use, mental health symptoms, or other common insomnia triggers, but it can also develop with other sleep disorders. Maintenance insomnia occurs when you have trouble remaining asleep once you get to sleep or consistently wake up too early. This type of insomnia might relate to underlying health and mental health symptoms, but lying awake and worrying you won’t get enough sleep can make it worse. Behavioral insomnia of childhood: Doctors diagnose this type of insomnia in children who have consistent trouble falling asleep , refusal to go to bed, or both. Children with this condition often benefit from learning self-soothing strategies and following a regular sleep routine. Causes of insomnia can vary depending on which type you have. Chronic insomnia can occur as a result of: chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or back pain psychological conditions, such as anxiety , depression , or substance use disorders sleep apnea and other sleep disorders health conditions such as diabetes or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Risk factors for insomnia Insomnia is related to age, sex, and genetics. It’s more common in certain life phases, including: in older adulthood just before, during, and after menopause in people who are pregnant a sedentary lifestyle shift work taking naps drinking caffeine Insomnia and pregnancy Insomnia is common during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. Pregnancy-related insomnia usually passes and doesn’t affect your baby’s development. But getting the right amount of sleep is important for your overall well-being. Lifestyle changes that could help include: eating a balanced diet maintaining a consistent sleep schedule practicing relaxation techniques during the day to help ease anxiety and promote calm Children and teens can develop insomnia often for the same reasons as adults. Symptoms can include: daytime sleepiness or restlessness irritability and mood changes repeated disciplinary issues problems with memory and focus The first step to treating insomnia in children generally involves setting a firm bedtime and sticking to it. Other helpful tips include: creating a soothing bedtime routine following good sleep hygiene practices, like avoiding screen time near bedtime reducing sources of stress in your child’s life A therapist or pediatrician can offer more guidance on treating insomnia in children. According to 2019 research, up to 75% of older adults experience some symptoms of insomnia. age-related changes in the circadian rhythms retirement, as you may no longer have a consistent daytime schedule or get regular social interaction social isolation can contribute to loneliness and increase your chances of experiencing depression health concerns related to aging, including chronic pain conditions daytime napping, if you’re not getting enough sleep at night, can leave you less tired at bedtime, fueling a cycle of sleeplessness If you experience insomnia, a therapist or clinician can offer more support in finding helpful treatment options. To diagnose insomnia, a healthcare professional will ask questions about: any existing medical conditions physical and mental health symptoms you’ve noticed stressors in your personal or professional life sleep history, including how long you’ve had symptoms and how they affect you This can help determine the underlying causes of your sleep problems. They may also ask you to keep an app-based or written sleep log for 2 to 4 weeks, tracking: what time you go to bed the approximate time it takes you to fall asleep any instances of repeated waking in the night what time you wake up each day They may order medical tests or blood work to help rule out medical conditions that can interfere with sleep. You’ll likely receive a clinical diagnosis of insomnia if your sleep difficulties occur at least 3 nights a week for a minimum of 3 months and if they create major distress or difficulties in your daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) With support from a therapist, you can learn specific techniques to address insomnia, including: Stimulus control: teaches you to get out of bed and find a quiet and relaxing activity until you feel sleepy, limiting the time you may lie awake and worry about falling asleep Sleep restriction: restricts and then gradually increases the amount of time you spend in bed Bright light therapy: exposes you to bright light in the morning or evening, depending on whether you have more trouble falling asleep or staying asleep A therapist may also offer guidance on relaxation techniques and sleep hygiene practices that address behaviors that prevent you from getting quality sleep. A therapist can also identify underlying mental health symptoms contributing to insomnia or making your symptoms worse. Addressing these triggers and contributing factors can go a long way toward relieving insomnia. Medications and supplements Your clinician might prescribe medication (or Z-drugs) if therapy and lifestyle changes don’t work. Example medications include: eszopiclone (Lunesta) zolpidem (Ambien) triazolam (Halcion) They may recommend a medication in combination with therapy with the goal of ultimately sleeping without medication. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements like melatonin can offer some relief from insomnia. Melatonin supplements may slightly decrease the time it takes you to fall asleep. Support for melatonin as an insomnia treatment remains inconclusive. Experts have yet to confirm whether it’s safe to use melatonin long term , though it’s generally considered safe for short-term use. Check in with a healthcare professional before trying supplements like melatonin or OTC medications to help ease insomnia. These medications may interact with other prescription and OTC medications or cause side effects. If you’re pregnant, always ask your healthcare team before taking any medications or supplements. Other approaches Lifestyle changes and home remedies can often help manage insomnia symptoms. You can try: Natural sleep aids: Before bed, try warm milk , herbal tea , or valerian . Relaxing essential oil aromatherapy using oils like lavender and peppermint may also offer some sleep benefits . Meditation: Promote relaxation with mindful meditation. It improves sleep quality and relieves stress, which might contribute to insomnia. Many apps can help you start meditation. Acupuncture: Many people find this traditional Chinese medicine technique helpful for easing insomnia symptoms. Exercise: At least 30 minutes of regular exercise can help you fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep by releasing melatonin. It’s not always possible to prevent insomnia, but practicing sleep hygiene may help you get the sleep you need : Try to maintain roughly the same sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends. Create a relaxing bedtime routine that prepares you to sleep. Dim the lights and put down electronic devices an hour before bedtime. Avoid napping, especially if sleeping during the day keeps you awake at night. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can affect your mental and emotional health and physical well-being. Causes and risk factors vary depending on the type of insomnia, but many treatments exist. Connect with a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you think you have insomnia. They can help you explore possible causes and offer support in finding the best insomnia treatment for your needs.

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[Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/how-to-cure-insomnia-in-12-minutes) - [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-treatments) - [Chronic](https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-insomnia) - [Specialists](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-doctors) - ### Types Types #### Related Articles - [Types](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-insomnia) - [Paradoxical Insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/paradoxical-insomnia) - [Sporadic Fatal](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/sporadic-fatal-insomnia) - [Middle](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/middle-insomnia) - ### Prognosis Prognosis #### Related Articles - [Outlook](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/infographic-facts-stats-on-insomnia) - ### Symptoms Symptoms #### Related Articles - [Effects on the Body](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-concerns) - [Difficulty Sleeping](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-difficulty) - ### Diagnosis Diagnosis #### Related Articles - [Diagnosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/do-i-have-insomnia) - [Waking Up Too Early](https://www.healthline.com/health/waking-up-too-early) - [Typical Time to Fall Asleep](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/how-long-does-it-take-to-fall-asleep) - [Light Sleepers](https://www.healthline.com/health/light-sleeper) - [In Men](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-in-men) - ### Causes & Risk Factors Causes & Risk Factors #### Related Articles - [Causes and Risk Factors](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-causes) - [After Surgery](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-after-surgery) - [Vaccines](https://www.healthline.com/health/vaccinations/can-vaccines-cause-insomnia) - [Hormones](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/hormonal-insomnia-symptoms) - [Anxiety-Induced](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-insomnia) - [Dehydration](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/dehydration-insomnia-symptoms) - [In Teenagers](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/insomnia-in-teens) - 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[Drinks to Help Sleep](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/drinks-that-help-you-sleep) - ### Related Conditions Related Conditions #### Related Articles - [Menopause-Related Insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/menopause-and-insomnia) - [PMS Insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/pms-insomnia) - [High Blood Pressure](https://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure/can-high-blood-pressure-cause-insomnia) - [OCD](https://www.healthline.com/health/ocd/ocd-and-insomnia) - [Sleep Apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-vs-sleep-apnea) - ### Complications Complications #### Related Articles - [Heart Health](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/how-insomnia-affects-your-heart) # Everything You Need to Know About Insomnia ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Thomas-Johnson-500x500-Bio1.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Thomas Johnson, PA-C]() — Written by [Karen Lamoreux]() and [Crystal Raypole]() — [Updated on April 18, 2025]() - [Symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia#symptoms) - [Types](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia#types) - [Causes](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia#causes) - [In children](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia#in-children) - [In older adults](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia#in-older-adults) - [Diagnosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia#diagnosis) - [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia#treatment) - [Complications](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia#complications) - [Prevention](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia#prevention) - [Takeaway](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia#takeaway) ### Key takeaways - Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that means you’re unable to get the sleep you need to feel refreshed. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, and feeling unrefreshed, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and concentration problems. - Causes of insomnia can include stress and chronic conditions. Your age, lifestyle habits, and certain life phases like pregnancy and menopause can also play a role in whether you experience insomnia. - Treatment options for insomnia include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies like meditation and herbal teas. Follow a healthcare professional’s guidance for personalized care. Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder. Among sleep disorders, insomnia is the most common. According to the [American Psychiatric Association (APA)](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/sleep-disorders/what-are-sleep-disorders), about a third of adults report some insomnia symptoms. ### A note for Veterans Insomnia is a common and complex obstacle for Veterans. To address sleep, veterans and their caregivers can explore how other elements of health, such as nutrition, mental wellness, and fitness, contribute to improving rest. You may find additional guidance and information in our [resources hub for Veterans](https://www.healthline.com/program/veterans-care). ## [Insomnia symptoms]() Typical insomnia symptoms [include](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/symptoms): - waking too early and finding yourself unable to fall back asleep - spending a lot of the night lying awake, worrying you won’t fall asleep - a consistent pattern of interrupted or broken sleep that doesn’t refresh you - trouble falling asleep after going to bed As a result, you might begin to experience other symptoms related to lack of sleep, including: - [fatigue](https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue) and daytime sleepiness - [irritability](https://www.healthline.com/health/irritability) and other [mood changes](https://www.healthline.com/health/rapid-mood-swings) - [difficulty concentrating](https://www.healthline.com/health/unable-to-concentrate) or remembering things **»Read More:**[Signs You May Have Insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/do-i-have-insomnia) ## [Types of insomnia]() Experts describe insomnia in different ways, depending on its characteristics. [Types of insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-insomnia) can include: - **Acute insomnia:** This type refers to short-term sleeping difficulties that generally last no more than a few weeks. - **Chronic insomnia:** Long-lasting insomnia that affects your sleep for at least [3 days](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia) every week for a period of 3 months or longer is referred to as [chronic insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-insomnia). It can be primary (idiopathic) with no known cause, or secondary (comorbid), relating to another health condition. - **Onset insomnia:** If you have difficulty falling asleep, you may have onset insomnia. Trouble getting to sleep might result from caffeine use, mental health symptoms, or other common insomnia triggers, but it can also develop with other sleep disorders. - Maintenance insomnia occurs when you have trouble remaining asleep once you get to sleep or consistently wake up too early. This type of insomnia might relate to underlying health and mental health symptoms, but lying awake and worrying you won’t get enough sleep can make it worse. - **Behavioral insomnia of childhood:** Doctors diagnose this type of insomnia in children who have consistent [trouble falling asleep](https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/behavioral-insomnia-childhood.pdf), refusal to go to bed, or both. Children with this condition often benefit from learning self-soothing strategies and following a regular sleep routine. ## [Insomnia causes and risk factors]() Causes of insomnia can vary depending on which type you have. Possible [causes](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2787317) of acute insomnia are recent stressors, such as an upsetting or [traumatic event](https://www.healthline.com/health/traumatic-events) or [jet lag](https://www.healthline.com/health/jet-lag). Chronic insomnia [can occur](https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/insomnia/) as a result of: - chronic pain conditions, such as [arthritis](https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis-insomnia-sleep-problems) or [back pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/best-sleeping-position-for-lower-back-pain) - psychological conditions, such as [anxiety](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-insomnia), [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/treating-insomnia-and-depression), or [substance use disorders](https://www.healthline.com/health/drug-abuse) - [sleep apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-vs-sleep-apnea) and other sleep disorders - health conditions such as [diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-sleep) or [gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)](https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/improve-sleep) ### Risk factors for insomnia [Insomnia](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/causes) is related to age, sex, and genetics. It’s more common in certain life phases, including: - in [older adulthood](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/sleep-disorders-in-the-elderly) - just before, during, and after [menopause](https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/menopause-and-insomnia) - in people who are pregnant Other [risk factors associated with insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/infographic-facts-stats-on-insomnia) include: - a sedentary lifestyle - shift work - taking naps - [drinking caffeine](https://www.healthline.com/health/caffeine-effects-on-body) ### Insomnia and pregnancy Insomnia is common during pregnancy, especially in the [first](https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/early-insomnia) and [third](https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/third-trimester-pain-insomnia) trimesters. [Pregnancy-related insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/early-insomnia) usually passes and doesn’t affect your baby’s development. But getting the right amount of sleep is important for your overall well-being. Lifestyle changes that could help include: - eating a [balanced diet](https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/diet-nutrition) - maintaining a consistent sleep schedule - practicing relaxation techniques during the day to help ease anxiety and promote calm ## [Insomnia in children]() Children and [teens](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/insomnia-in-teens) can develop insomnia often for the same reasons as adults. Symptoms can include: - daytime sleepiness or restlessness - irritability and mood changes - repeated disciplinary issues - problems with memory and focus The first step to treating insomnia in children generally involves [setting a firm bedtime](https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-sleep/) and sticking to it. Other helpful tips include: - creating a soothing bedtime routine - following good sleep hygiene practices, like avoiding screen time near bedtime - reducing sources of stress in your child’s life A therapist or pediatrician can offer more guidance on treating insomnia in children. **»Read More:**[Tips to Get Your Kids to Sleep](https://www.healthline.com/health/tips-get-your-kids-sleep) ## [Insomnia in older adulthood]() According to 2019 research, [up to 75%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7731454/) of older adults experience some symptoms of insomnia. Different factors contribute to [insomnia in older adulthood](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/sleep-disorders-in-the-elderly), and these can have a domino effect: - age-related changes in the [circadian rhythms](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/circadian-rhythm) - retirement, as you may no longer have a consistent daytime schedule or get regular social interaction - social isolation can contribute to loneliness and increase your chances of experiencing [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/elderly) - health concerns related to aging, including chronic pain conditions - daytime napping, if you’re not getting enough sleep at night, can leave you less tired at bedtime, fueling a cycle of sleeplessness If you experience insomnia, a therapist or clinician can offer more support in finding helpful treatment options. ## [Receiving an insomnia diagnosis]() To diagnose insomnia, a healthcare professional will ask questions about: - any existing medical conditions - physical and mental health symptoms you’ve noticed - stressors in your personal or professional life - sleep history, including how long you’ve had symptoms and how they affect you This can help determine the underlying causes of your sleep problems. They may also ask you to keep an app-based or written sleep log for 2 to 4 weeks, tracking: - what time you go to bed - the approximate time it takes you to fall asleep - any instances of repeated waking in the night - what time you wake up each day They may order medical tests or blood work to help rule out medical conditions that can interfere with sleep. If they suspect you could have an underlying sleep disorder, such as [obstructive sleep apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/obstructive-sleep-apnea), they may recommend a [sleep study](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/what-is-a-sleep-study). You’ll likely receive a clinical diagnosis of insomnia if your sleep difficulties occur at least 3 nights a week for a minimum of 3 months and if they create major distress or difficulties in your daily life. ## [Treating insomnia]() You have several [options for treating insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-treatments), including therapy, medications, supplements, and natural remedies. ### Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) The [American College of Physicians (ACP)](https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/m15-2175) recommends [CBT-I](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-insomnia) as a first-line treatment for [chronic insomnia](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526136/) in adults. With support from a therapist, you can learn specific techniques to address insomnia, including: - **Stimulus control:** teaches you to get out of bed and find a quiet and relaxing activity until you feel sleepy, limiting the time you may lie awake and worry about falling asleep - **Sleep restriction:** restricts and then gradually increases the amount of time you spend in bed - **Bright light therapy:** exposes you to [bright light](https://www.healthline.com/health/light-for-sleep) in the morning or evening, depending on whether you have more trouble falling asleep or staying asleep A therapist may also offer guidance on relaxation techniques and [sleep hygiene practices](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-hygiene) that address behaviors that prevent you from getting quality sleep. A therapist can also identify underlying mental health symptoms contributing to insomnia or making your symptoms worse. Addressing these triggers and contributing factors can go a long way toward relieving insomnia. ### Medications and supplements Your clinician might [prescribe medication](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/taking-z-drugs-insomnia-know-risks) (or Z-drugs) if therapy and lifestyle changes don’t work. Example medications include: - [eszopiclone](https://www.healthline.com/health/eszopiclone-oral-tablet) (Lunesta) - [zolpidem](https://www.healthline.com/health/zolpidem-oral-tablet) (Ambien) - triazolam (Halcion) They may recommend a medication in combination with therapy with the goal of ultimately sleeping without medication. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements like [melatonin](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know) can offer some relief from insomnia. Melatonin supplements may slightly [decrease the time](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/sleep-disorders-and-complementary-health-approaches) it takes you to fall asleep. Support for melatonin as an insomnia treatment remains inconclusive. Experts have yet to confirm whether it’s [safe to use melatonin long term](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/melatonin-side-effects), though it’s generally considered safe for short-term use. > Check in with a healthcare professional before trying supplements like melatonin or OTC medications to help ease insomnia. These medications may [interact](https://www.healthline.com/health/drug-interactions) with other prescription and OTC medications or cause side effects. > > If you’re pregnant, always ask your healthcare team before taking any medications or supplements. ### Other approaches Lifestyle changes and [home remedies](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/insomnia-home-remedies) can often help manage insomnia symptoms. You can try: - **Natural sleep aids:** Before bed, try [warm milk](https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/warm-milk-to-sleep), [herbal tea](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/teas-that-help-you-sleep), or [valerian](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/valerian-root). Relaxing [essential oil](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/essential-oils-for-sleep) aromatherapy using oils like [lavender](https://www.healthline.com/health/what-lavender-can-do-for-you) and [peppermint](https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-peppermint-oil) may also [offer some sleep benefits](https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-020-00047-x) . - **Meditation:** Promote relaxation with mindful meditation. It [improves sleep quality](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7790277/) and relieves stress, which might contribute to insomnia. Many [apps](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/top-meditation-iphone-android-apps) can help you start meditation. - **Acupuncture:** Many people find this [traditional Chinese medicine technique](https://www.healthline.com/health/acupuncture-for-sleep) helpful for easing insomnia symptoms. - **Exercise:** At least 30 minutes of regular exercise can [help you fall asleep](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10503965/) and improve the quality of your sleep by releasing melatonin. **»More:**[Shop our expert-verified products for achieving deeper sleep.](https://www.healthline.com/reviews/sleep-products) ## [Insomnia complications]() Your brain can’t carry out important functions that keep it running smoothly when you don’t get enough sleep. That may be why you feel foggy and have trouble focusing when you get insufficient sleep. Insomnia can have more serious health effects over time. It’s [linked](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-understanding-sleep) to: - [Alzheimer’s disease](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6876903/) - [high blood pressure](https://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension) - [heart disease](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease) - [diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes) - [obesity](https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity) - [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression) - [asthma](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6390785/) - [thyroid disorders](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6390785/) - [some types of cancer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31352687/) Insomnia can also [increase your risk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10926017/) of: - making errors and worsened performance at school or work - car accidents - difficulty remembering and concentrating **»Read More:**[Effects of Insomnia on the Body](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-concerns) ## [Preventing insomnia]() It’s not always possible to prevent insomnia, but practicing sleep hygiene may help you [get the sleep you need](https://familydoctor.org/condition/insomnia/): - Try to maintain roughly the same sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends. - Create a relaxing [bedtime routine](https://www.healthline.com/health/nighttime-routine) that prepares you to sleep. - Dim the lights and [put down electronic devices](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/block-blue-light-to-sleep-better) an hour before bedtime. - Avoid napping, especially if sleeping during the day keeps you awake at night. **»Read More:**[Top 15 Proven Tips to Sleep Better at Night](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-tips-to-sleep-better) ## [The bottom line]() Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can affect your mental and emotional health and physical well-being. Causes and risk factors vary depending on the type of insomnia, but many treatments exist. Connect with a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you think you have insomnia. They can help you explore possible causes and offer support in finding the best insomnia treatment for your needs. [Read this article in Spanish.](https://www.healthline.com/health/es/insomnio) ### How we reviewed this article: Sources History Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process). - Alnawwar MA, et al. (2023). The effect of physical activity on sleep quality and sleep disorder: A systematic review. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10503965> - Arky B. (2023). How to help kids who have trouble sleeping. <https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-sleep/> - Behavioral insomnia of childhood. (2021). <https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/behavioral-insomnia-childhood.pdf> - Bollu PC, et al. (2019). Sleep medicine: Insomnia and sleep. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6390785> - Brain basics: Understanding sleep. (2025). <https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-understanding-sleep> - Huberty JL, et al. (2021). Testing a mindfulness meditation mobile app for the treatment of sleep-related symptoms in adults with sleep disturbance: A randomized controlled trial. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7790277/> - Insomnia. (2023). <https://familydoctor.org/condition/insomnia/> - Kaur H, et al. (2025). Chronic insomnia. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526136> - Krystal AD, et al. (2021). What is insomnia? <https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2787317> - Mahdavikian S, et al. (2020). Comparing the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender on the sleep quality of cardiac patients: A randomized controlled trial. <https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-020-00047-x> - Melatonin: What you need to know. (2024). <https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know> - Nguyen V, et al. (2019). Insomnia in older adults. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7731454> - Qaseem A, et al. (2016). Management of chronic insomnia disorder in adults: A clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. <https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/m15-2175> - San L, et al. (2024). The night and day challenge of sleep disorders and insomnia: A narrative review. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10926017/> - Shamim SA, et al. (2019). Insomnia: Risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6876903/> - Shi T, et al. (2020). Does insomnia predict a high risk of cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31352687/> - Sleep disorders and complementary health approaches. (2024). <https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/sleep-disorders-and-complementary-health-approaches> - Taking Z-drugs for insomnia? Know the risks. (2024). <https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/taking-z-drugs-insomnia-know-risks> - What is insomnia? (2022). <https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia> - What is insomnia? (2020). <https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/insomnia/> - What are sleep disorders? (2024). <https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/sleep-disorders/what-are-sleep-disorders> Share this article ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Thomas-Johnson-500x500-Bio1.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Thomas Johnson, PA-C]() — Written by [Karen Lamoreux]() and [Crystal Raypole]() — [Updated on April 18, 2025]() ## related stories - [Is Insomnia a Mental Illness?](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/is-insomnia-a-mental-illness?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Insomnia: Facts, Statistics, and You](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/infographic-facts-stats-on-insomnia?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What Is Psychophysiological Insomnia and What Can You Do If You Have It?](https://www.healthline.com/health/psychophysiological-insomnia?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Overview of Secondary Insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/secondary-insomnia?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Understanding the Relationship Between Antidepressants and Insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/antidepressants-insomnia?utm_source=ReadNext) © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. 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Readable Markdown

Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder. Among sleep disorders, insomnia is the most common. According to the [American Psychiatric Association (APA)](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/sleep-disorders/what-are-sleep-disorders), about a third of adults report some insomnia symptoms. Typical insomnia symptoms [include](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/symptoms): - waking too early and finding yourself unable to fall back asleep - spending a lot of the night lying awake, worrying you won’t fall asleep - a consistent pattern of interrupted or broken sleep that doesn’t refresh you - trouble falling asleep after going to bed As a result, you might begin to experience other symptoms related to lack of sleep, including: - [fatigue](https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue) and daytime sleepiness - [irritability](https://www.healthline.com/health/irritability) and other [mood changes](https://www.healthline.com/health/rapid-mood-swings) - [difficulty concentrating](https://www.healthline.com/health/unable-to-concentrate) or remembering things Experts describe insomnia in different ways, depending on its characteristics. [Types of insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-insomnia) can include: - **Acute insomnia:** This type refers to short-term sleeping difficulties that generally last no more than a few weeks. - **Chronic insomnia:** Long-lasting insomnia that affects your sleep for at least [3 days](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia) every week for a period of 3 months or longer is referred to as [chronic insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-insomnia). It can be primary (idiopathic) with no known cause, or secondary (comorbid), relating to another health condition. - **Onset insomnia:** If you have difficulty falling asleep, you may have onset insomnia. Trouble getting to sleep might result from caffeine use, mental health symptoms, or other common insomnia triggers, but it can also develop with other sleep disorders. - Maintenance insomnia occurs when you have trouble remaining asleep once you get to sleep or consistently wake up too early. This type of insomnia might relate to underlying health and mental health symptoms, but lying awake and worrying you won’t get enough sleep can make it worse. - **Behavioral insomnia of childhood:** Doctors diagnose this type of insomnia in children who have consistent [trouble falling asleep](https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/behavioral-insomnia-childhood.pdf), refusal to go to bed, or both. Children with this condition often benefit from learning self-soothing strategies and following a regular sleep routine. Causes of insomnia can vary depending on which type you have. Chronic insomnia [can occur](https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/insomnia/) as a result of: - chronic pain conditions, such as [arthritis](https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis-insomnia-sleep-problems) or [back pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/best-sleeping-position-for-lower-back-pain) - psychological conditions, such as [anxiety](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-insomnia), [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/treating-insomnia-and-depression), or [substance use disorders](https://www.healthline.com/health/drug-abuse) - [sleep apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-vs-sleep-apnea) and other sleep disorders - health conditions such as [diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-sleep) or [gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)](https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/improve-sleep) Risk factors for insomnia [Insomnia](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/causes) is related to age, sex, and genetics. It’s more common in certain life phases, including: - in [older adulthood](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/sleep-disorders-in-the-elderly) - just before, during, and after [menopause](https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/menopause-and-insomnia) - in people who are pregnant - a sedentary lifestyle - shift work - taking naps - [drinking caffeine](https://www.healthline.com/health/caffeine-effects-on-body) Insomnia and pregnancy Insomnia is common during pregnancy, especially in the [first](https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/early-insomnia) and [third](https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/third-trimester-pain-insomnia) trimesters. [Pregnancy-related insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/early-insomnia) usually passes and doesn’t affect your baby’s development. But getting the right amount of sleep is important for your overall well-being. Lifestyle changes that could help include: - eating a [balanced diet](https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/diet-nutrition) - maintaining a consistent sleep schedule - practicing relaxation techniques during the day to help ease anxiety and promote calm Children and [teens](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/insomnia-in-teens) can develop insomnia often for the same reasons as adults. Symptoms can include: - daytime sleepiness or restlessness - irritability and mood changes - repeated disciplinary issues - problems with memory and focus The first step to treating insomnia in children generally involves [setting a firm bedtime](https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-sleep/) and sticking to it. Other helpful tips include: - creating a soothing bedtime routine - following good sleep hygiene practices, like avoiding screen time near bedtime - reducing sources of stress in your child’s life A therapist or pediatrician can offer more guidance on treating insomnia in children. According to 2019 research, [up to 75%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7731454/) of older adults experience some symptoms of insomnia. - age-related changes in the [circadian rhythms](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/circadian-rhythm) - retirement, as you may no longer have a consistent daytime schedule or get regular social interaction - social isolation can contribute to loneliness and increase your chances of experiencing [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/elderly) - health concerns related to aging, including chronic pain conditions - daytime napping, if you’re not getting enough sleep at night, can leave you less tired at bedtime, fueling a cycle of sleeplessness If you experience insomnia, a therapist or clinician can offer more support in finding helpful treatment options. To diagnose insomnia, a healthcare professional will ask questions about: - any existing medical conditions - physical and mental health symptoms you’ve noticed - stressors in your personal or professional life - sleep history, including how long you’ve had symptoms and how they affect you This can help determine the underlying causes of your sleep problems. They may also ask you to keep an app-based or written sleep log for 2 to 4 weeks, tracking: - what time you go to bed - the approximate time it takes you to fall asleep - any instances of repeated waking in the night - what time you wake up each day They may order medical tests or blood work to help rule out medical conditions that can interfere with sleep. You’ll likely receive a clinical diagnosis of insomnia if your sleep difficulties occur at least 3 nights a week for a minimum of 3 months and if they create major distress or difficulties in your daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) With support from a therapist, you can learn specific techniques to address insomnia, including: - **Stimulus control:** teaches you to get out of bed and find a quiet and relaxing activity until you feel sleepy, limiting the time you may lie awake and worry about falling asleep - **Sleep restriction:** restricts and then gradually increases the amount of time you spend in bed - **Bright light therapy:** exposes you to [bright light](https://www.healthline.com/health/light-for-sleep) in the morning or evening, depending on whether you have more trouble falling asleep or staying asleep A therapist may also offer guidance on relaxation techniques and [sleep hygiene practices](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-hygiene) that address behaviors that prevent you from getting quality sleep. A therapist can also identify underlying mental health symptoms contributing to insomnia or making your symptoms worse. Addressing these triggers and contributing factors can go a long way toward relieving insomnia. Medications and supplements Your clinician might [prescribe medication](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/taking-z-drugs-insomnia-know-risks) (or Z-drugs) if therapy and lifestyle changes don’t work. Example medications include: - [eszopiclone](https://www.healthline.com/health/eszopiclone-oral-tablet) (Lunesta) - [zolpidem](https://www.healthline.com/health/zolpidem-oral-tablet) (Ambien) - triazolam (Halcion) They may recommend a medication in combination with therapy with the goal of ultimately sleeping without medication. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements like [melatonin](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know) can offer some relief from insomnia. Melatonin supplements may slightly [decrease the time](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/sleep-disorders-and-complementary-health-approaches) it takes you to fall asleep. Support for melatonin as an insomnia treatment remains inconclusive. Experts have yet to confirm whether it’s [safe to use melatonin long term](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/melatonin-side-effects), though it’s generally considered safe for short-term use. > Check in with a healthcare professional before trying supplements like melatonin or OTC medications to help ease insomnia. These medications may [interact](https://www.healthline.com/health/drug-interactions) with other prescription and OTC medications or cause side effects. > > If you’re pregnant, always ask your healthcare team before taking any medications or supplements. Other approaches Lifestyle changes and [home remedies](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/insomnia-home-remedies) can often help manage insomnia symptoms. You can try: - **Natural sleep aids:** Before bed, try [warm milk](https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/warm-milk-to-sleep), [herbal tea](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/teas-that-help-you-sleep), or [valerian](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/valerian-root). Relaxing [essential oil](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/essential-oils-for-sleep) aromatherapy using oils like [lavender](https://www.healthline.com/health/what-lavender-can-do-for-you) and [peppermint](https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-peppermint-oil) may also [offer some sleep benefits](https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-020-00047-x) . - **Meditation:** Promote relaxation with mindful meditation. It [improves sleep quality](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7790277/) and relieves stress, which might contribute to insomnia. Many [apps](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/top-meditation-iphone-android-apps) can help you start meditation. - **Acupuncture:** Many people find this [traditional Chinese medicine technique](https://www.healthline.com/health/acupuncture-for-sleep) helpful for easing insomnia symptoms. - **Exercise:** At least 30 minutes of regular exercise can [help you fall asleep](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10503965/) and improve the quality of your sleep by releasing melatonin. It’s not always possible to prevent insomnia, but practicing sleep hygiene may help you [get the sleep you need](https://familydoctor.org/condition/insomnia/): - Try to maintain roughly the same sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends. - Create a relaxing [bedtime routine](https://www.healthline.com/health/nighttime-routine) that prepares you to sleep. - Dim the lights and [put down electronic devices](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/block-blue-light-to-sleep-better) an hour before bedtime. - Avoid napping, especially if sleeping during the day keeps you awake at night. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can affect your mental and emotional health and physical well-being. Causes and risk factors vary depending on the type of insomnia, but many treatments exist. Connect with a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you think you have insomnia. They can help you explore possible causes and offer support in finding the best insomnia treatment for your needs.

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