Types of insomnia
There are several types of durations and underlying causes. Here are the main types:
- Transient insomnia: This type of insomnia lasts for less than a month and is often caused by temporary changes in the sleep environment, stress, or other short-term factors.
- Short-term insomnia: Short-term insomnia persists between one and six months and is usually related to ongoing stress, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors.
- Chronic insomnia: Chronic insomnia lasts for more than six months and could be due to a combination of factors, including medical conditions, mental health issues, and poor sleep habits.
Insomnia can also be classified based on specific aspects, such as:
- Primary insomnia: This form of insomnia isn’t connected to any specific medical or mental health conditions. It occurs independently of other factors.
- Secondary insomnia: Secondary insomnia, on the other hand, is associated with other underlying health issues like chronic pain, depression, or medication side effects.
- Onset insomnia: This type of insomnia specifically refers to difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night.
- Maintenance insomnia: Maintenance insomnia refers to trouble staying asleep throughout the night, often characterized by repeated awakenings and difficulty returning to sleep.
- Behavioral insomnia of childhood: This form of insomnia affects children and is typically caused by poor sleep habits, anxiety, or inconsistent bedtime routines.
Understanding the different types of insomnia can help individuals identify the proper treatment strategies and work toward achieving better quality sleep.
