🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 96 (from laksa060)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa096.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 FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia","crawl_time":1776566847,"first_indexed_time":1684366359,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,upmc!www,\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia s443","src_root_hash":"12741625226546234896","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Insomnia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options","meta_descriptions":["Learn how UPMC experts help you get a good night's rest by treating insomnia, a condition that occurs when you have trouble falling or staying asleep."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Everyone has a poor night of sleep from time to time. But if you have trouble falling or staying asleep on a regular basis, you may have insomnia.\nAt UPMC, we offer the latest treatments for insomnia, helping you get a good night's rest.\nLooking for Insomnia Care?\nRelated services:\nWhat Is Insomnia?\nInsomnia is a sleep disorder that occurs when you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. It can cause short-term or long-lasting sleep problems that affect your ability to perform everyday activities.\nWhat are the types of insomnia? \nThere are two types of insomnia, including:\nChronic insomnia\n— Occurs when you have trouble sleeping at least three days per week for more than three months.\nShort-term insomnia\n— Occurs when you have trouble sleeping for less than three months, and often less than three times a week. \nWhat causes insomnia?\nInsomnia can have many causes, including:\nShort-term insomnia causes\nStressful life events that may trigger a bout of short-term insomnia include:\nA divorce.\nAn illness.\nThe death of a loved one.\nThe loss of a job.\nChronic insomnia causes\nStress and anxiety about not sleeping can further create a cycle of being unable to sleep, leading to chronic insomnia.\nOther common causes of chronic insomnia include:\nAn irregular sleep schedule\n— This includes shift work or travel.\nPoor sleep habits\n— Using electronics or drinking alcohol before bedtime.\nMental health issues —\nAnxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.\nPhysical illness and pain —\nEither can disrupt sleep.\nSide effects from medicine\n— Blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and stimulants may cause sleeplessness.\nNeurological problems —\nAlzheimer's disease may throw off the body's wake-sleep cycle.\nOther sleep disorders\n—\nObstructive sleep apnea (OSA)\n and\nrestless legs syndrome (RLS)\n often impact sleep.\nBack to top\nInsomnia risk factors\nCertain factors may increase your risk of insomnia, including:\nAge\n—\nThe risk of insomnia rises with age.\nGenetics\n— If you have a family history of insomnia, you're more likely to have it.\nSex\n— Women are at higher risk than men.\nLifestyle\n— Factors such as shift work, drinking caffeine or alcohol near bedtime, or using electronics at night may increase your risk.\nStress or worry\n— May cause racing thoughts that make it hard to fall or stay asleep.\nMedical and mental health disorders\n— Disorders such as,\nheart disease\n,\nasthma\n, depression, and anxiety raise the risk.\nBack to top\nComplications of insomnia\nInsomnia can cause other health problems and may affect your:\nAbility to concentrate.\nMemory.\nMood.\nMotivation.\nProductivity.\nLack of sleep can also affect your reaction time, alertness, and movements, which can lead to accidents at home, work, school, or on the road.\nBack to top\nHow can I prevent insomnia?\nYou may not be able to prevent all causes of insomnia. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk by:\nAvoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night.\nCreating a comfortable sleep environment.\nEstablishing a relaxing bedtime routine.\nFollowing a sleep schedule.\nIncorporating exercise in your day.\nLimiting screen time before bed.\nBack to top\nWhat Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia?\nInsomnia symptoms and signs include:\nFeeling grouchy or sleepy during the day.\nFeeling irritable or depressed.\nHaving trouble focusing or paying attention during the day.\nLack of motivation or initiative.\nLacking energy throughout the day.\nLying awake for a long time before you fall asleep.\nMemory lapses.\nWaking up often or being awake for much of the night.\nWaking up too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep.\nWorrying about not being able to sleep.\nWhen should I see a doctor about my insomnia symptoms?\nPeople with insomnia may have different degrees of symptoms. However, if sleepless nights are causing problems in your daily life, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.\nBack to top\nHow Do You Diagnose Insomnia?\nYour doctor may ask you to keep a sleep log for a week or two before your appointment. You'll need to keep track of what times you:\nGo to sleep and wake up.\nDrink caffeine or alcohol.\nWork out.\nWhat to expect during your visit\nDuring your appointment, your doctor will:\nAsk about your insomnia symptoms and how long you've had them.\nTalk about your sleep habits and lifestyle.\nDo a physical exam.\nTests to diagnose insomnia\nThere are no special tests to diagnose chronic insomnia. However, your doctor may order blood tests to rule out health issues that could affect your sleep.\nYour doctor may also order a sleep study to make sure you don't have another sleep disorder such as:\nSleep apnea.\nLeg movements.\nRare behaviors while asleep, such as sleepwalking or hallucinations.\nInsomnia prognosis\nInsomnia is a treatable condition. Your health care provider can help you understand the cause of your insomnia and provide you with lifestyle recommendations and treatments to improve your sleep.\nBack to top\nHow Do You Treat Insomnia?\nOur UPMC sleep medicine experts treat people with insomnia every day. We use the latest techniques and therapies to help you get quality sleep. With the right treatment, you can start getting restful sleep and feel like yourself again.\nYour doctor will likely start with the most conservative treatment. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications.\nLifestyle changes\nLifestyle changes to treat insomnia may include:\nAvoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night.\nCreating a comfortable sleep environment.\nEstablishing a relaxing bedtime routine.\nFollowing a sleep schedule.\nIncorporating exercise into your day.\nLimiting screen time before bed.\nCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia\nYour doctor may suggest a six- to eight-week CBT plan to address unwarranted thoughts and beliefs about your sleep. CBT teaches you ways to:\nAdjust your sleep timing to your body's clock.\nCope with stress about not being able to sleep.\nIncrease your body’s natural need to sleep by staying awake longer, exercising, and getting more natural sunlight exposure.\nYour CBT sessions may involve:\nSleep restriction and compression\n— You and your doctor will figure out how much sleep you need and the best time to sleep. Then you work to reduce the time you spend in bed. The goal is not to restrict sleep, but to lessen the time you lie in bed awake.\nSleep education and sleep hygiene\n— Your doctor may talk to you about how lifestyle choices affect sleep.\nStimulus control\n— You may learn steps you can take to reduce anxiety about sleep. For instance, if you don't fall asleep after 20 minutes in bed, get up. Go read, meditate, or do another quiet activity. This will decrease your thoughts about not being able to sleep while in bed.\nRelaxation therapy\n— This can also help decrease anxiety surrounding sleep. You may learn breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, or meditation.\nRelapse prevention\n— Learning about triggers for recurrence of insomnia and how to cope\/address triggers.\nUPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel alternative to sleeping pills with fewer side effects.\nMedication to treat insomnia\nYour doctor might prescribe medicines in addition to or as an alternative to CBT. Medications that may help your insomnia include:\nBenzodiazepines (BZDs)\n— FDA-approved psychoactive drugs for insomnia. Doctors usually don't prescribe BZDs long-term because they have a high potential for abuse.\nNonbenzodiazepines\n— These drugs (Zolpidem is one) have less abuse potential than BZDs, but still require a prescription.\nMelatonin agonists\n— These medicines stimulate melatonin production, which helps you feel sleepy at night.\nOrexin receptor antagonists\n—These drugs help manage feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness.\nAntidepressants\n— Low doses of sedatives like trazodone and doxepin can be helpful.\nYour UPMC sleep doctor will tailor your medication for your sleep problem based on:\nDrug costs.\nPotential side effects.\nThe cause of your insomnia.\nYour medical history.\nYour preferences.\nBack to top\nWhy Choose UPMC for Insomnia Care?\nWhen you choose UPMC for insomnia care, you will receive:\nAccess to board-certified specialists\n— Our\nsleep medicine\n specialists are experienced in caring for people with all types of sleep disorders, including insomnia.\nExpert diagnosis and personalized care\n— Our team will develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of side effects and improve your quality of life.\nA full range of treatment options\n— UPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel treatment that can be used as an alternative to or alongside sleeping pills to improve sleep quality.\nBack to top\nBy\nUPMC Editorial Team\n.\r\n        Reviewed on 2025-05-01.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to Content](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia)\n\n[800-533-8762](tel:18005338762)\n\n- [Careers](https:\/\/careers.upmc.com\/ \"Learn more about careers and job openings at UPMC.\")\n- [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/media)\n- [Health Care Professionals](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/healthcare-professionals)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/about)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/contact \"Contact UPMC\")\n\nSearch\n\n[![UPMC](https:\/\/dam.upmc.com\/-\/media\/upmc\/logos\/upmclogosvg.svg?rev=6e15279b3cfe411a82abaedff1c6c617)](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/ \"UPMC\")\n\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/providers)\n- [Services](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia)\n  - 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[Schedule an appointment](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/contact\/appointments)\n  - [Request medical records](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/patients-visitors\/medical-records)\n  - [Pay a bill](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/patients-visitors\/paying-bill\/bill-pay)\n  - [Learn about financial assistance](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/patients-visitors\/paying-bill\/services)\n  - [Find classes & events](https:\/\/upmc.asapconnected.com\/)\n  - [Send a patient an eCard](https:\/\/ecards.upmc.com\/)\n  - [Make a donation](https:\/\/donate.upmc.com\/campaign\/605346\/donate?c_src=25UPMC)\n  - [Volunteer](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/about\/support\/giving\/volunteer)\n  - [Read HealthBeat blog](https:\/\/share.upmc.com\/?pk_vid=6cef23daad64774a175449411354b301)\n  - [Explore UPMC Careers](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/about\/support\/giving\/volunteer)\n\n- [Patient Portals](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/patients-visitors\/patient-portals \"Patient Portals\")\n- [Careers](https:\/\/careers.upmc.com\/ \"Learn more about careers and job openings at UPMC.\")\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/contact \"Contact UPMC\")\n- [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/media)\n\n- [UPMC](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/) \\>\n- [Our Services](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services) \\>\n- [Pulmonology](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology) \\>\n- [...](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia \"Expand to display full path.\") \\>\n- [Our Services](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services)  \\>\n- [Sleep Medicine](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine) \\>\n- [Conditions We Treat](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions) \\>\n- Insomnia\n\n# Insomnia\nEveryone has a poor night of sleep from time to time. But if you have trouble falling or staying asleep on a regular basis, you may have insomnia.\n\nAt UPMC, we offer the latest treatments for insomnia, helping you get a good night's rest.\n\n## Looking for Insomnia Care?\nRelated services:\n\n- [Ear, Nose, and Throat.](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ear-nose-throat \"Ear, Nose, and Throat.\")\n- [Primary Care.](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/primary-care \"Primary Care.\")\n- [Pulmonary and Respiratory.](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology-regions \"Pulmonary and Respiratory.\")\n\n[Find a Provider](https:\/\/providers.upmc.com\/search?clinical_keywords=insomniac&sort=relevance%2Cnetworks%2Cavailability_density_best \"Find a Provider\")\n\n### On this page:\n- [What Is Insomnia?](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#OverviewSection \"What Is Insomnia?\")\n- [What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia?](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#MedicalSignOrSymptom \"What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia?\")\n- [How Do You Diagnose Insomnia?](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#diagnosis \"How Do You Diagnose Insomnia?\")\n- [How Do You Treat Insomnia?](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#possibleTreatment \"How Do You Treat Insomnia?\")\n\n## What Is Insomnia?\nInsomnia is a sleep disorder that occurs when you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. It can cause short-term or long-lasting sleep problems that affect your ability to perform everyday activities.\n\n### What are the types of insomnia?\nThere are two types of insomnia, including:\n\n- **Chronic insomnia** — Occurs when you have trouble sleeping at least three days per week for more than three months.\n- **Short-term insomnia** — Occurs when you have trouble sleeping for less than three months, and often less than three times a week.\n### What causes insomnia?\nInsomnia can have many causes, including:\n\n#### Short-term insomnia causes\nStressful life events that may trigger a bout of short-term insomnia include:\n\n- A divorce.\n- An illness.\n- The death of a loved one.\n- The loss of a job.\n#### Chronic insomnia causes\nStress and anxiety about not sleeping can further create a cycle of being unable to sleep, leading to chronic insomnia.\n\nOther common causes of chronic insomnia include:\n\n- **An irregular sleep schedule** — This includes shift work or travel.\n- **Poor sleep habits** — Using electronics or drinking alcohol before bedtime.\n- **Mental health issues —** Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.\n- **Physical illness and pain —** Either can disrupt sleep.\n- **Side effects from medicine** — Blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and stimulants may cause sleeplessness.\n- **Neurological problems —** Alzheimer's disease may throw off the body's wake-sleep cycle.\n- **Other sleep disorders** — [Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/conditions\/sleep-apnea \"Learn more about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).\") and [restless legs syndrome (RLS)](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/restless-legs-syndrome \"Learn more about restless legs syndrome (RLS).\") often impact sleep.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n### Insomnia risk factors\nCertain factors may increase your risk of insomnia, including:\n\n- **Age** —The risk of insomnia rises with age.\n- **Genetics** — If you have a family history of insomnia, you're more likely to have it.\n- **Sex** — Women are at higher risk than men.\n- **Lifestyle** — Factors such as shift work, drinking caffeine or alcohol near bedtime, or using electronics at night may increase your risk.\n- **Stress or worry** — May cause racing thoughts that make it hard to fall or stay asleep.\n- **Medical and mental health disorders** — Disorders such as, [heart disease](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular\/conditions\/heart-disease \"Learn more about heart disease.\"), [asthma](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/asthma \"Learn more about asthma.\"), depression, and anxiety raise the risk.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n### Complications of insomnia\nInsomnia can cause other health problems and may affect your:\n\n- Ability to concentrate.\n- Memory.\n- Mood.\n- Motivation.\n- Productivity.\n\nLack of sleep can also affect your reaction time, alertness, and movements, which can lead to accidents at home, work, school, or on the road.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n### How can I prevent insomnia?\nYou may not be able to prevent all causes of insomnia. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk by:\n\n- Avoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night.\n- Creating a comfortable sleep environment.\n- Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine.\n- Following a sleep schedule.\n- Incorporating exercise in your day.\n- Limiting screen time before bed.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n## What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia?\nInsomnia symptoms and signs include:\n\n- Feeling grouchy or sleepy during the day.\n- Feeling irritable or depressed.\n- Having trouble focusing or paying attention during the day.\n- Lack of motivation or initiative.\n- Lacking energy throughout the day.\n- Lying awake for a long time before you fall asleep.\n- Memory lapses.\n- Waking up often or being awake for much of the night.\n- Waking up too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep.\n- Worrying about not being able to sleep.\n### When should I see a doctor about my insomnia symptoms?\nPeople with insomnia may have different degrees of symptoms. However, if sleepless nights are causing problems in your daily life, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n## How Do You Diagnose Insomnia?\nYour doctor may ask you to keep a sleep log for a week or two before your appointment. You'll need to keep track of what times you:\n\n- Go to sleep and wake up.\n- Drink caffeine or alcohol.\n- Work out.\n### What to expect during your visit\nDuring your appointment, your doctor will:\n\n- Ask about your insomnia symptoms and how long you've had them.\n- Talk about your sleep habits and lifestyle.\n- Do a physical exam.\n### Tests to diagnose insomnia\nThere are no special tests to diagnose chronic insomnia. However, your doctor may order blood tests to rule out health issues that could affect your sleep.\n\nYour doctor may also order a sleep study to make sure you don't have another sleep disorder such as:\n\n- Sleep apnea.\n- Leg movements.\n- Rare behaviors while asleep, such as sleepwalking or hallucinations.\n### Insomnia prognosis\nInsomnia is a treatable condition. Your health care provider can help you understand the cause of your insomnia and provide you with lifestyle recommendations and treatments to improve your sleep.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n## How Do You Treat Insomnia?\nOur UPMC sleep medicine experts treat people with insomnia every day. We use the latest techniques and therapies to help you get quality sleep. With the right treatment, you can start getting restful sleep and feel like yourself again.\n\nYour doctor will likely start with the most conservative treatment. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications.\n\n### Lifestyle changes\nLifestyle changes to treat insomnia may include:\n\n- Avoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night.\n- Creating a comfortable sleep environment.\n- Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine.\n- Following a sleep schedule.\n- Incorporating exercise into your day.\n- Limiting screen time before bed.\n### Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia\nYour doctor may suggest a six- to eight-week CBT plan to address unwarranted thoughts and beliefs about your sleep. CBT teaches you ways to:\n\n- Adjust your sleep timing to your body's clock.\n- Cope with stress about not being able to sleep.\n- Increase your body’s natural need to sleep by staying awake longer, exercising, and getting more natural sunlight exposure.\n\nYour CBT sessions may involve:\n\n- **Sleep restriction and compression** — You and your doctor will figure out how much sleep you need and the best time to sleep. Then you work to reduce the time you spend in bed. The goal is not to restrict sleep, but to lessen the time you lie in bed awake.\n- **Sleep education and sleep hygiene** — Your doctor may talk to you about how lifestyle choices affect sleep.\n- **Stimulus control** — You may learn steps you can take to reduce anxiety about sleep. For instance, if you don't fall asleep after 20 minutes in bed, get up. Go read, meditate, or do another quiet activity. This will decrease your thoughts about not being able to sleep while in bed.\n- **Relaxation therapy** — This can also help decrease anxiety surrounding sleep. You may learn breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, or meditation.\n- **Relapse prevention** — Learning about triggers for recurrence of insomnia and how to cope\/address triggers.\n\nUPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel alternative to sleeping pills with fewer side effects.\n\n### Medication to treat insomnia\nYour doctor might prescribe medicines in addition to or as an alternative to CBT. Medications that may help your insomnia include:\n\n- **Benzodiazepines (BZDs)** — FDA-approved psychoactive drugs for insomnia. Doctors usually don't prescribe BZDs long-term because they have a high potential for abuse.\n- **Nonbenzodiazepines** — These drugs (Zolpidem is one) have less abuse potential than BZDs, but still require a prescription.\n- **Melatonin agonists** — These medicines stimulate melatonin production, which helps you feel sleepy at night.\n- **Orexin receptor antagonists** —These drugs help manage feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness.\n- **Antidepressants** — Low doses of sedatives like trazodone and doxepin can be helpful.\n\nYour UPMC sleep doctor will tailor your medication for your sleep problem based on:\n\n- Drug costs.\n- Potential side effects.\n- The cause of your insomnia.\n- Your medical history.\n- Your preferences.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n## Why Choose UPMC for Insomnia Care?\nWhen you choose UPMC for insomnia care, you will receive:\n\n- **Access to board-certified specialists** — Our [sleep medicine](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine \"Learn more about sleep medicine.\") specialists are experienced in caring for people with all types of sleep disorders, including insomnia.\n- **Expert diagnosis and personalized care** — Our team will develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of side effects and improve your quality of life.\n- **A full range of treatment options** — UPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel treatment that can be used as an alternative to or alongside sleeping pills to improve sleep quality.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\nReferences\n\n- [Medline Plus: Insomnia.](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/insomnia.html \"Learn more from this source.\")\n\nBy [UPMC Editorial Team](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/about\/editorial-policy \"Learn more about the UPMC editorial policy.\"). Reviewed on 2025-05-01.\n\n2025-05-01\n\n2026-04-16\n\nInsomnia\n\nTrouble falling or staying asleep\n\n[![UPMC](https:\/\/dam.upmc.com\/-\/media\/upmc\/logos\/upmclogosvg.svg?rev=6e15279b3cfe411a82abaedff1c6c617)](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/ \"UPMC\")\n\n200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213\n\n[412-647-8762](tel:412-647-8762) [800-533-8762](tel:800-533-8762)\n\nPatients And Visitors\n\nPatients And Visitors\n\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/providers)\n- [Locations](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/locations \"View a list of UPMC's locations.\")\n- [Pay a Bill](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/patients-visitors\/paying-bill\/bill-pay \"Learn more about paying your bill.\")\n- [Patient & Visitor Resources](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/patients-visitors\/patient-info \"View patient and visitor resources from UPMC.\")\n- [Disabilities Resource Center](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/patients-visitors\/patient-info\/disabilities-resource-center \"View disability accommodations from UPMC.\")\n- 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But if you have trouble falling or staying asleep on a regular basis, you may have insomnia.\n\nAt UPMC, we offer the latest treatments for insomnia, helping you get a good night's rest.\n\nLooking for Insomnia Care?\n\nRelated services:\n\n## What Is Insomnia?\nInsomnia is a sleep disorder that occurs when you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. It can cause short-term or long-lasting sleep problems that affect your ability to perform everyday activities.\n\n### What are the types of insomnia?\nThere are two types of insomnia, including:\n\n- **Chronic insomnia** — Occurs when you have trouble sleeping at least three days per week for more than three months.\n- **Short-term insomnia** — Occurs when you have trouble sleeping for less than three months, and often less than three times a week.\n### What causes insomnia?\nInsomnia can have many causes, including:\n\n#### Short-term insomnia causes\nStressful life events that may trigger a bout of short-term insomnia include:\n\n- A divorce.\n- An illness.\n- The death of a loved one.\n- The loss of a job.\n#### Chronic insomnia causes\nStress and anxiety about not sleeping can further create a cycle of being unable to sleep, leading to chronic insomnia.\n\nOther common causes of chronic insomnia include:\n\n- **An irregular sleep schedule** — This includes shift work or travel.\n- **Poor sleep habits** — Using electronics or drinking alcohol before bedtime.\n- **Mental health issues —** Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.\n- **Physical illness and pain —** Either can disrupt sleep.\n- **Side effects from medicine** — Blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and stimulants may cause sleeplessness.\n- **Neurological problems —** Alzheimer's disease may throw off the body's wake-sleep cycle.\n- **Other sleep disorders** — [Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/conditions\/sleep-apnea \"Learn more about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).\") and [restless legs syndrome (RLS)](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/restless-legs-syndrome \"Learn more about restless legs syndrome (RLS).\") often impact sleep.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n### Insomnia risk factors\nCertain factors may increase your risk of insomnia, including:\n\n- **Age** —The risk of insomnia rises with age.\n- **Genetics** — If you have a family history of insomnia, you're more likely to have it.\n- **Sex** — Women are at higher risk than men.\n- **Lifestyle** — Factors such as shift work, drinking caffeine or alcohol near bedtime, or using electronics at night may increase your risk.\n- **Stress or worry** — May cause racing thoughts that make it hard to fall or stay asleep.\n- **Medical and mental health disorders** — Disorders such as, [heart disease](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular\/conditions\/heart-disease \"Learn more about heart disease.\"), [asthma](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/asthma \"Learn more about asthma.\"), depression, and anxiety raise the risk.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n### Complications of insomnia\nInsomnia can cause other health problems and may affect your:\n\n- Ability to concentrate.\n- Memory.\n- Mood.\n- Motivation.\n- Productivity.\n\nLack of sleep can also affect your reaction time, alertness, and movements, which can lead to accidents at home, work, school, or on the road.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n### How can I prevent insomnia?\nYou may not be able to prevent all causes of insomnia. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk by:\n\n- Avoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night.\n- Creating a comfortable sleep environment.\n- Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine.\n- Following a sleep schedule.\n- Incorporating exercise in your day.\n- Limiting screen time before bed.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n## What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia?\nInsomnia symptoms and signs include:\n\n- Feeling grouchy or sleepy during the day.\n- Feeling irritable or depressed.\n- Having trouble focusing or paying attention during the day.\n- Lack of motivation or initiative.\n- Lacking energy throughout the day.\n- Lying awake for a long time before you fall asleep.\n- Memory lapses.\n- Waking up often or being awake for much of the night.\n- Waking up too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep.\n- Worrying about not being able to sleep.\n### When should I see a doctor about my insomnia symptoms?\nPeople with insomnia may have different degrees of symptoms. However, if sleepless nights are causing problems in your daily life, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n## How Do You Diagnose Insomnia?\nYour doctor may ask you to keep a sleep log for a week or two before your appointment. You'll need to keep track of what times you:\n\n- Go to sleep and wake up.\n- Drink caffeine or alcohol.\n- Work out.\n### What to expect during your visit\nDuring your appointment, your doctor will:\n\n- Ask about your insomnia symptoms and how long you've had them.\n- Talk about your sleep habits and lifestyle.\n- Do a physical exam.\n### Tests to diagnose insomnia\nThere are no special tests to diagnose chronic insomnia. However, your doctor may order blood tests to rule out health issues that could affect your sleep.\n\nYour doctor may also order a sleep study to make sure you don't have another sleep disorder such as:\n\n- Sleep apnea.\n- Leg movements.\n- Rare behaviors while asleep, such as sleepwalking or hallucinations.\n### Insomnia prognosis\nInsomnia is a treatable condition. Your health care provider can help you understand the cause of your insomnia and provide you with lifestyle recommendations and treatments to improve your sleep.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\n## How Do You Treat Insomnia?\nOur UPMC sleep medicine experts treat people with insomnia every day. We use the latest techniques and therapies to help you get quality sleep. With the right treatment, you can start getting restful sleep and feel like yourself again.\n\nYour doctor will likely start with the most conservative treatment. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications.\n\n### Lifestyle changes\nLifestyle changes to treat insomnia may include:\n\n- Avoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night.\n- Creating a comfortable sleep environment.\n- Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine.\n- Following a sleep schedule.\n- Incorporating exercise into your day.\n- Limiting screen time before bed.\n### Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia\nYour doctor may suggest a six- to eight-week CBT plan to address unwarranted thoughts and beliefs about your sleep. CBT teaches you ways to:\n\n- Adjust your sleep timing to your body's clock.\n- Cope with stress about not being able to sleep.\n- Increase your body’s natural need to sleep by staying awake longer, exercising, and getting more natural sunlight exposure.\n\nYour CBT sessions may involve:\n\n- **Sleep restriction and compression** — You and your doctor will figure out how much sleep you need and the best time to sleep. Then you work to reduce the time you spend in bed. The goal is not to restrict sleep, but to lessen the time you lie in bed awake.\n- **Sleep education and sleep hygiene** — Your doctor may talk to you about how lifestyle choices affect sleep.\n- **Stimulus control** — You may learn steps you can take to reduce anxiety about sleep. For instance, if you don't fall asleep after 20 minutes in bed, get up. Go read, meditate, or do another quiet activity. This will decrease your thoughts about not being able to sleep while in bed.\n- **Relaxation therapy** — This can also help decrease anxiety surrounding sleep. You may learn breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, or meditation.\n- **Relapse prevention** — Learning about triggers for recurrence of insomnia and how to cope\/address triggers.\n\nUPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel alternative to sleeping pills with fewer side effects.\n\n### Medication to treat insomnia\nYour doctor might prescribe medicines in addition to or as an alternative to CBT. Medications that may help your insomnia include:\n\n- **Benzodiazepines (BZDs)** — FDA-approved psychoactive drugs for insomnia. Doctors usually don't prescribe BZDs long-term because they have a high potential for abuse.\n- **Nonbenzodiazepines** — These drugs (Zolpidem is one) have less abuse potential than BZDs, but still require a prescription.\n- **Melatonin agonists** — These medicines stimulate melatonin production, which helps you feel sleepy at night.\n- **Orexin receptor antagonists** —These drugs help manage feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness.\n- **Antidepressants** — Low doses of sedatives like trazodone and doxepin can be helpful.\n\nYour UPMC sleep doctor will tailor your medication for your sleep problem based on:\n\n- Drug costs.\n- Potential side effects.\n- The cause of your insomnia.\n- Your medical history.\n- Your preferences.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n## Why Choose UPMC for Insomnia Care?\nWhen you choose UPMC for insomnia care, you will receive:\n\n- **Access to board-certified specialists** — Our [sleep medicine](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine \"Learn more about sleep medicine.\") specialists are experienced in caring for people with all types of sleep disorders, including insomnia.\n- **Expert diagnosis and personalized care** — Our team will develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of side effects and improve your quality of life.\n- **A full range of treatment options** — UPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel treatment that can be used as an alternative to or alongside sleeping pills to improve sleep quality.\n\n[*Back to top*](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pulmonology\/our-services\/sleep-medicine\/conditions\/insomnia#top)\n\nBy [UPMC Editorial Team](https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/about\/editorial-policy \"Learn more about the UPMC editorial policy.\"). Reviewed on 2025-05-01.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Everyone has a poor night of sleep from time to time. But if you have trouble falling or staying asleep on a regular basis, you may have insomnia. At UPMC, we offer the latest treatments for insomnia, helping you get a good night's rest. Looking for Insomnia Care? Related services: What Is Insomnia? Insomnia is a sleep disorder that occurs when you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. It can cause short-term or long-lasting sleep problems that affect your ability to perform everyday activities. What are the types of insomnia? There are two types of insomnia, including: Chronic insomnia — Occurs when you have trouble sleeping at least three days per week for more than three months. Short-term insomnia — Occurs when you have trouble sleeping for less than three months, and often less than three times a week. What causes insomnia? Insomnia can have many causes, including: Short-term insomnia causes Stressful life events that may trigger a bout of short-term insomnia include: A divorce. An illness. The death of a loved one. The loss of a job. Chronic insomnia causes Stress and anxiety about not sleeping can further create a cycle of being unable to sleep, leading to chronic insomnia. Other common causes of chronic insomnia include: An irregular sleep schedule — This includes shift work or travel. Poor sleep habits — Using electronics or drinking alcohol before bedtime. Mental health issues — Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Physical illness and pain — Either can disrupt sleep. Side effects from medicine — Blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and stimulants may cause sleeplessness. Neurological problems — Alzheimer's disease may throw off the body's wake-sleep cycle. Other sleep disorders — Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) often impact sleep. Back to top Insomnia risk factors Certain factors may increase your risk of insomnia, including: Age — The risk of insomnia rises with age. Genetics — If you have a family history of insomnia, you're more likely to have it. Sex — Women are at higher risk than men. Lifestyle — Factors such as shift work, drinking caffeine or alcohol near bedtime, or using electronics at night may increase your risk. Stress or worry — May cause racing thoughts that make it hard to fall or stay asleep. Medical and mental health disorders — Disorders such as, heart disease , asthma , depression, and anxiety raise the risk. Back to top Complications of insomnia Insomnia can cause other health problems and may affect your: Ability to concentrate. Memory. Mood. Motivation. Productivity. Lack of sleep can also affect your reaction time, alertness, and movements, which can lead to accidents at home, work, school, or on the road. Back to top How can I prevent insomnia? You may not be able to prevent all causes of insomnia. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk by: Avoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night. Creating a comfortable sleep environment. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. Following a sleep schedule. Incorporating exercise in your day. Limiting screen time before bed. Back to top What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia? Insomnia symptoms and signs include: Feeling grouchy or sleepy during the day. Feeling irritable or depressed. Having trouble focusing or paying attention during the day. Lack of motivation or initiative. Lacking energy throughout the day. Lying awake for a long time before you fall asleep. Memory lapses. Waking up often or being awake for much of the night. Waking up too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep. Worrying about not being able to sleep. When should I see a doctor about my insomnia symptoms? People with insomnia may have different degrees of symptoms. However, if sleepless nights are causing problems in your daily life, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Back to top How Do You Diagnose Insomnia? Your doctor may ask you to keep a sleep log for a week or two before your appointment. You'll need to keep track of what times you: Go to sleep and wake up. Drink caffeine or alcohol. Work out. What to expect during your visit During your appointment, your doctor will: Ask about your insomnia symptoms and how long you've had them. Talk about your sleep habits and lifestyle. Do a physical exam. Tests to diagnose insomnia There are no special tests to diagnose chronic insomnia. However, your doctor may order blood tests to rule out health issues that could affect your sleep. Your doctor may also order a sleep study to make sure you don't have another sleep disorder such as: Sleep apnea. Leg movements. Rare behaviors while asleep, such as sleepwalking or hallucinations. Insomnia prognosis Insomnia is a treatable condition. Your health care provider can help you understand the cause of your insomnia and provide you with lifestyle recommendations and treatments to improve your sleep. Back to top How Do You Treat Insomnia? Our UPMC sleep medicine experts treat people with insomnia every day. We use the latest techniques and therapies to help you get quality sleep. With the right treatment, you can start getting restful sleep and feel like yourself again. Your doctor will likely start with the most conservative treatment. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications. Lifestyle changes Lifestyle changes to treat insomnia may include: Avoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night. Creating a comfortable sleep environment. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. Following a sleep schedule. Incorporating exercise into your day. Limiting screen time before bed. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia Your doctor may suggest a six- to eight-week CBT plan to address unwarranted thoughts and beliefs about your sleep. CBT teaches you ways to: Adjust your sleep timing to your body's clock. Cope with stress about not being able to sleep. Increase your body’s natural need to sleep by staying awake longer, exercising, and getting more natural sunlight exposure. Your CBT sessions may involve: Sleep restriction and compression — You and your doctor will figure out how much sleep you need and the best time to sleep. Then you work to reduce the time you spend in bed. The goal is not to restrict sleep, but to lessen the time you lie in bed awake. Sleep education and sleep hygiene — Your doctor may talk to you about how lifestyle choices affect sleep. Stimulus control — You may learn steps you can take to reduce anxiety about sleep. For instance, if you don't fall asleep after 20 minutes in bed, get up. Go read, meditate, or do another quiet activity. This will decrease your thoughts about not being able to sleep while in bed. Relaxation therapy — This can also help decrease anxiety surrounding sleep. You may learn breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, or meditation. Relapse prevention — Learning about triggers for recurrence of insomnia and how to cope/address triggers. UPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel alternative to sleeping pills with fewer side effects. Medication to treat insomnia Your doctor might prescribe medicines in addition to or as an alternative to CBT. Medications that may help your insomnia include: Benzodiazepines (BZDs) — FDA-approved psychoactive drugs for insomnia. Doctors usually don't prescribe BZDs long-term because they have a high potential for abuse. Nonbenzodiazepines — These drugs (Zolpidem is one) have less abuse potential than BZDs, but still require a prescription. Melatonin agonists — These medicines stimulate melatonin production, which helps you feel sleepy at night. Orexin receptor antagonists —These drugs help manage feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness. Antidepressants — Low doses of sedatives like trazodone and doxepin can be helpful. Your UPMC sleep doctor will tailor your medication for your sleep problem based on: Drug costs. Potential side effects. The cause of your insomnia. Your medical history. Your preferences. Back to top Why Choose UPMC for Insomnia Care? When you choose UPMC for insomnia care, you will receive: Access to board-certified specialists — Our sleep medicine specialists are experienced in caring for people with all types of sleep disorders, including insomnia. Expert diagnosis and personalized care — Our team will develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of side effects and improve your quality of life. A full range of treatment options — UPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel treatment that can be used as an alternative to or alongside sleeping pills to improve sleep quality. Back to top By UPMC Editorial Team . Reviewed on 2025-05-01.
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But if you have trouble falling or staying asleep on a regular basis, you may have insomnia. At UPMC, we offer the latest treatments for insomnia, helping you get a good night's rest. ## Looking for Insomnia Care? Related services: - [Ear, Nose, and Throat.](https://www.upmc.com/services/ear-nose-throat "Ear, Nose, and Throat.") - [Primary Care.](https://www.upmc.com/services/primary-care "Primary Care.") - [Pulmonary and Respiratory.](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology-regions "Pulmonary and Respiratory.") [Find a Provider](https://providers.upmc.com/search?clinical_keywords=insomniac&sort=relevance%2Cnetworks%2Cavailability_density_best "Find a Provider") ### On this page: - [What Is Insomnia?](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#OverviewSection "What Is Insomnia?") - [What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia?](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#MedicalSignOrSymptom "What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia?") - [How Do You Diagnose Insomnia?](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#diagnosis "How Do You Diagnose Insomnia?") - [How Do You Treat Insomnia?](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#possibleTreatment "How Do You Treat Insomnia?") ## What Is Insomnia? Insomnia is a sleep disorder that occurs when you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. It can cause short-term or long-lasting sleep problems that affect your ability to perform everyday activities. ### What are the types of insomnia? There are two types of insomnia, including: - Chronic insomnia — Occurs when you have trouble sleeping at least three days per week for more than three months. - Short-term insomnia — Occurs when you have trouble sleeping for less than three months, and often less than three times a week. ### What causes insomnia? Insomnia can have many causes, including: #### Short-term insomnia causes Stressful life events that may trigger a bout of short-term insomnia include: - A divorce. - An illness. - The death of a loved one. - The loss of a job. #### Chronic insomnia causes Stress and anxiety about not sleeping can further create a cycle of being unable to sleep, leading to chronic insomnia. Other common causes of chronic insomnia include: - An irregular sleep schedule — This includes shift work or travel. - Poor sleep habits — Using electronics or drinking alcohol before bedtime. - Mental health issues — Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. - Physical illness and pain — Either can disrupt sleep. - Side effects from medicine — Blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and stimulants may cause sleeplessness. - Neurological problems — Alzheimer's disease may throw off the body's wake-sleep cycle. - Other sleep disorders — [Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/conditions/sleep-apnea "Learn more about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).") and [restless legs syndrome (RLS)](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/restless-legs-syndrome "Learn more about restless legs syndrome (RLS).") often impact sleep. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ### Insomnia risk factors Certain factors may increase your risk of insomnia, including: - Age —The risk of insomnia rises with age. - Genetics — If you have a family history of insomnia, you're more likely to have it. - Sex — Women are at higher risk than men. - Lifestyle — Factors such as shift work, drinking caffeine or alcohol near bedtime, or using electronics at night may increase your risk. - Stress or worry — May cause racing thoughts that make it hard to fall or stay asleep. - Medical and mental health disorders — Disorders such as, [heart disease](https://www.upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/conditions/heart-disease "Learn more about heart disease."), [asthma](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/asthma "Learn more about asthma."), depression, and anxiety raise the risk. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ### Complications of insomnia Insomnia can cause other health problems and may affect your: - Ability to concentrate. - Memory. - Mood. - Motivation. - Productivity. Lack of sleep can also affect your reaction time, alertness, and movements, which can lead to accidents at home, work, school, or on the road. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ### How can I prevent insomnia? You may not be able to prevent all causes of insomnia. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk by: - Avoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night. - Creating a comfortable sleep environment. - Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. - Following a sleep schedule. - Incorporating exercise in your day. - Limiting screen time before bed. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ## What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia? Insomnia symptoms and signs include: - Feeling grouchy or sleepy during the day. - Feeling irritable or depressed. - Having trouble focusing or paying attention during the day. - Lack of motivation or initiative. - Lacking energy throughout the day. - Lying awake for a long time before you fall asleep. - Memory lapses. - Waking up often or being awake for much of the night. - Waking up too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep. - Worrying about not being able to sleep. ### When should I see a doctor about my insomnia symptoms? People with insomnia may have different degrees of symptoms. However, if sleepless nights are causing problems in your daily life, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ## How Do You Diagnose Insomnia? Your doctor may ask you to keep a sleep log for a week or two before your appointment. You'll need to keep track of what times you: - Go to sleep and wake up. - Drink caffeine or alcohol. - Work out. ### What to expect during your visit During your appointment, your doctor will: - Ask about your insomnia symptoms and how long you've had them. - Talk about your sleep habits and lifestyle. - Do a physical exam. ### Tests to diagnose insomnia There are no special tests to diagnose chronic insomnia. However, your doctor may order blood tests to rule out health issues that could affect your sleep. Your doctor may also order a sleep study to make sure you don't have another sleep disorder such as: - Sleep apnea. - Leg movements. - Rare behaviors while asleep, such as sleepwalking or hallucinations. ### Insomnia prognosis Insomnia is a treatable condition. Your health care provider can help you understand the cause of your insomnia and provide you with lifestyle recommendations and treatments to improve your sleep. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ## How Do You Treat Insomnia? Our UPMC sleep medicine experts treat people with insomnia every day. We use the latest techniques and therapies to help you get quality sleep. With the right treatment, you can start getting restful sleep and feel like yourself again. Your doctor will likely start with the most conservative treatment. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications. ### Lifestyle changes Lifestyle changes to treat insomnia may include: - Avoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night. - Creating a comfortable sleep environment. - Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. - Following a sleep schedule. - Incorporating exercise into your day. - Limiting screen time before bed. ### Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia Your doctor may suggest a six- to eight-week CBT plan to address unwarranted thoughts and beliefs about your sleep. CBT teaches you ways to: - Adjust your sleep timing to your body's clock. - Cope with stress about not being able to sleep. - Increase your body’s natural need to sleep by staying awake longer, exercising, and getting more natural sunlight exposure. Your CBT sessions may involve: - Sleep restriction and compression — You and your doctor will figure out how much sleep you need and the best time to sleep. Then you work to reduce the time you spend in bed. The goal is not to restrict sleep, but to lessen the time you lie in bed awake. - Sleep education and sleep hygiene — Your doctor may talk to you about how lifestyle choices affect sleep. - Stimulus control — You may learn steps you can take to reduce anxiety about sleep. For instance, if you don't fall asleep after 20 minutes in bed, get up. Go read, meditate, or do another quiet activity. This will decrease your thoughts about not being able to sleep while in bed. - Relaxation therapy — This can also help decrease anxiety surrounding sleep. You may learn breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, or meditation. - Relapse prevention — Learning about triggers for recurrence of insomnia and how to cope/address triggers. UPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel alternative to sleeping pills with fewer side effects. ### Medication to treat insomnia Your doctor might prescribe medicines in addition to or as an alternative to CBT. Medications that may help your insomnia include: - Benzodiazepines (BZDs) — FDA-approved psychoactive drugs for insomnia. Doctors usually don't prescribe BZDs long-term because they have a high potential for abuse. - Nonbenzodiazepines — These drugs (Zolpidem is one) have less abuse potential than BZDs, but still require a prescription. - Melatonin agonists — These medicines stimulate melatonin production, which helps you feel sleepy at night. - Orexin receptor antagonists —These drugs help manage feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness. - Antidepressants — Low doses of sedatives like trazodone and doxepin can be helpful. Your UPMC sleep doctor will tailor your medication for your sleep problem based on: - Drug costs. - Potential side effects. - The cause of your insomnia. - Your medical history. - Your preferences. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ## Why Choose UPMC for Insomnia Care? When you choose UPMC for insomnia care, you will receive: - Access to board-certified specialists — Our [sleep medicine](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine "Learn more about sleep medicine.") specialists are experienced in caring for people with all types of sleep disorders, including insomnia. - Expert diagnosis and personalized care — Our team will develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of side effects and improve your quality of life. - A full range of treatment options — UPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel treatment that can be used as an alternative to or alongside sleeping pills to improve sleep quality. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) References - [Medline Plus: Insomnia.](https://medlineplus.gov/insomnia.html "Learn more from this source.") By [UPMC Editorial Team](https://www.upmc.com/about/editorial-policy "Learn more about the UPMC editorial policy."). Reviewed on 2025-05-01. 2025-05-01 2026-04-16 Insomnia Trouble falling or staying asleep [![UPMC](https://dam.upmc.com/-/media/upmc/logos/upmclogosvg.svg?rev=6e15279b3cfe411a82abaedff1c6c617)](https://www.upmc.com/ "UPMC") 200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213 [412-647-8762](tel:412-647-8762) [800-533-8762](tel:800-533-8762) Patients And Visitors Patients And Visitors - [Find a Doctor](https://www.upmc.com/providers) - [Locations](https://www.upmc.com/locations "View a list of UPMC's locations.") - [Pay a Bill](https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/paying-bill/bill-pay "Learn more about paying your bill.") - [Patient & Visitor Resources](https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/patient-info "View patient and visitor resources from UPMC.") - [Disabilities Resource Center](https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/patient-info/disabilities-resource-center "View disability accommodations from UPMC.") - [Services](https://www.upmc.com/services "View a list of clinical services at UPMC.") - [Medical Records](https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/medical-records "Learn more about your medical records at UPMC.") - [No Surprises Act](https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/paying-bill/no-surprises-act "Learn more about the No Surprises Act.") - [Price Transparency](https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/paying-bill/pricing-transparency) - [Financial Assistance](https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/paying-bill/services/apply "Learn more about financial assistance at UPMC.") - [Classes & Events](https://upmc.asapconnected.com/ "View, search, and sign up for classes and events at UPMC.") - [Health Library](https://www.upmc.com/health-library "View UPMC's Health Library.") 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Readable Markdown	Everyone has a poor night of sleep from time to time. But if you have trouble falling or staying asleep on a regular basis, you may have insomnia. At UPMC, we offer the latest treatments for insomnia, helping you get a good night's rest. Looking for Insomnia Care? Related services: ## What Is Insomnia? Insomnia is a sleep disorder that occurs when you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. It can cause short-term or long-lasting sleep problems that affect your ability to perform everyday activities. ### What are the types of insomnia? There are two types of insomnia, including: - Chronic insomnia — Occurs when you have trouble sleeping at least three days per week for more than three months. - Short-term insomnia — Occurs when you have trouble sleeping for less than three months, and often less than three times a week. ### What causes insomnia? Insomnia can have many causes, including: #### Short-term insomnia causes Stressful life events that may trigger a bout of short-term insomnia include: - A divorce. - An illness. - The death of a loved one. - The loss of a job. #### Chronic insomnia causes Stress and anxiety about not sleeping can further create a cycle of being unable to sleep, leading to chronic insomnia. Other common causes of chronic insomnia include: - An irregular sleep schedule — This includes shift work or travel. - Poor sleep habits — Using electronics or drinking alcohol before bedtime. - Mental health issues — Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. - Physical illness and pain — Either can disrupt sleep. - Side effects from medicine — Blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and stimulants may cause sleeplessness. - Neurological problems — Alzheimer's disease may throw off the body's wake-sleep cycle. - Other sleep disorders — [Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/conditions/sleep-apnea "Learn more about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).") and [restless legs syndrome (RLS)](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/restless-legs-syndrome "Learn more about restless legs syndrome (RLS).") often impact sleep. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ### Insomnia risk factors Certain factors may increase your risk of insomnia, including: - Age —The risk of insomnia rises with age. - Genetics — If you have a family history of insomnia, you're more likely to have it. - Sex — Women are at higher risk than men. - Lifestyle — Factors such as shift work, drinking caffeine or alcohol near bedtime, or using electronics at night may increase your risk. - Stress or worry — May cause racing thoughts that make it hard to fall or stay asleep. - Medical and mental health disorders — Disorders such as, [heart disease](https://www.upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/conditions/heart-disease "Learn more about heart disease."), [asthma](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/asthma "Learn more about asthma."), depression, and anxiety raise the risk. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ### Complications of insomnia Insomnia can cause other health problems and may affect your: - Ability to concentrate. - Memory. - Mood. - Motivation. - Productivity. Lack of sleep can also affect your reaction time, alertness, and movements, which can lead to accidents at home, work, school, or on the road. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ### How can I prevent insomnia? You may not be able to prevent all causes of insomnia. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk by: - Avoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night. - Creating a comfortable sleep environment. - Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. - Following a sleep schedule. - Incorporating exercise in your day. - Limiting screen time before bed. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ## What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia? Insomnia symptoms and signs include: - Feeling grouchy or sleepy during the day. - Feeling irritable or depressed. - Having trouble focusing or paying attention during the day. - Lack of motivation or initiative. - Lacking energy throughout the day. - Lying awake for a long time before you fall asleep. - Memory lapses. - Waking up often or being awake for much of the night. - Waking up too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep. - Worrying about not being able to sleep. ### When should I see a doctor about my insomnia symptoms? People with insomnia may have different degrees of symptoms. However, if sleepless nights are causing problems in your daily life, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ## How Do You Diagnose Insomnia? Your doctor may ask you to keep a sleep log for a week or two before your appointment. You'll need to keep track of what times you: - Go to sleep and wake up. - Drink caffeine or alcohol. - Work out. ### What to expect during your visit During your appointment, your doctor will: - Ask about your insomnia symptoms and how long you've had them. - Talk about your sleep habits and lifestyle. - Do a physical exam. ### Tests to diagnose insomnia There are no special tests to diagnose chronic insomnia. However, your doctor may order blood tests to rule out health issues that could affect your sleep. Your doctor may also order a sleep study to make sure you don't have another sleep disorder such as: - Sleep apnea. - Leg movements. - Rare behaviors while asleep, such as sleepwalking or hallucinations. ### Insomnia prognosis Insomnia is a treatable condition. Your health care provider can help you understand the cause of your insomnia and provide you with lifestyle recommendations and treatments to improve your sleep. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ## How Do You Treat Insomnia? Our UPMC sleep medicine experts treat people with insomnia every day. We use the latest techniques and therapies to help you get quality sleep. With the right treatment, you can start getting restful sleep and feel like yourself again. Your doctor will likely start with the most conservative treatment. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications. ### Lifestyle changes Lifestyle changes to treat insomnia may include: - Avoiding large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at night. - Creating a comfortable sleep environment. - Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. - Following a sleep schedule. - Incorporating exercise into your day. - Limiting screen time before bed. ### Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia Your doctor may suggest a six- to eight-week CBT plan to address unwarranted thoughts and beliefs about your sleep. CBT teaches you ways to: - Adjust your sleep timing to your body's clock. - Cope with stress about not being able to sleep. - Increase your body’s natural need to sleep by staying awake longer, exercising, and getting more natural sunlight exposure. Your CBT sessions may involve: - Sleep restriction and compression — You and your doctor will figure out how much sleep you need and the best time to sleep. Then you work to reduce the time you spend in bed. The goal is not to restrict sleep, but to lessen the time you lie in bed awake. - Sleep education and sleep hygiene — Your doctor may talk to you about how lifestyle choices affect sleep. - Stimulus control — You may learn steps you can take to reduce anxiety about sleep. For instance, if you don't fall asleep after 20 minutes in bed, get up. Go read, meditate, or do another quiet activity. This will decrease your thoughts about not being able to sleep while in bed. - Relaxation therapy — This can also help decrease anxiety surrounding sleep. You may learn breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, or meditation. - Relapse prevention — Learning about triggers for recurrence of insomnia and how to cope/address triggers. UPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel alternative to sleeping pills with fewer side effects. ### Medication to treat insomnia Your doctor might prescribe medicines in addition to or as an alternative to CBT. Medications that may help your insomnia include: - Benzodiazepines (BZDs) — FDA-approved psychoactive drugs for insomnia. Doctors usually don't prescribe BZDs long-term because they have a high potential for abuse. - Nonbenzodiazepines — These drugs (Zolpidem is one) have less abuse potential than BZDs, but still require a prescription. - Melatonin agonists — These medicines stimulate melatonin production, which helps you feel sleepy at night. - Orexin receptor antagonists —These drugs help manage feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness. - Antidepressants — Low doses of sedatives like trazodone and doxepin can be helpful. Your UPMC sleep doctor will tailor your medication for your sleep problem based on: - Drug costs. - Potential side effects. - The cause of your insomnia. - Your medical history. - Your preferences. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) ## Why Choose UPMC for Insomnia Care? When you choose UPMC for insomnia care, you will receive: - Access to board-certified specialists — Our [sleep medicine](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine "Learn more about sleep medicine.") specialists are experienced in caring for people with all types of sleep disorders, including insomnia. - Expert diagnosis and personalized care — Our team will develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of side effects and improve your quality of life. - A full range of treatment options — UPMC is the only adult sleep center in western Pennsylvania that offers CBT for insomnia. It's a novel treatment that can be used as an alternative to or alongside sleeping pills to improve sleep quality. [Back to top](https://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/our-services/sleep-medicine/conditions/insomnia#top) By [UPMC Editorial Team](https://www.upmc.com/about/editorial-policy "Learn more about the UPMC editorial policy."). Reviewed on 2025-05-01.
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