There are two types of insomnia, and two modes of insomnia. The two types of insomnia are:
The two modes of insomnia are:
By combining and mixing and matching the modes and types that are four types of insomnia that can result.
Primary insomnia is insomnia with direct causes. Note that not all acute, short-term insomnia is usually caused in response to temporary, external factors such as:
Generally, acute insomnia may clear up once the cause goes away.
Causes of chronic, long-term insomnia include things like:
There are countless risk factors for developing insomnia, both internal and external risk factors that range from natural changes to external, chronic environmental stresses.
As we age, our sleep cycles change. Namely, we tend to go to bed earlier, wake up earlier, and require naps during the day. People over the age of 60-65 are more likely to have insomnia and report trouble with sleep. This is likely due to natural biological changes, and also because as we age we are more likely to take certain medications that affect sleep.
Other biological factors for developing insomnia is sex. Insomnia is more common in women than men. Biological aspects of being female like pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause can increase your risk for developing insomnia.
Many diseases can affect our ability to sleep, and make us at risk for developing insomnia:
Other medical reasons also cause. Certain medications cause insomnia (primary) as a side effect, and include:
Psychological factors are some of the most common root factors for developing primary insomnia, and include:
Lastly, insomnia is also commonly caused by lifestyle choices that make sleep difficult, such as:
Insomnia should be treated differently depending on what type of insomnia you have. Acute insomnia will likely go away on its own – once the cause is removed you will likely be sleeping well again.
Chronic insomnia treatments may be a little less straightforward, and will likely require some intervention of some sort – usually behavioral therapy. This might include:
It is not recommended to treat chronic insomnia with over the counter pills, such as melatonin, because they may have undesired side effects and lose their effectiveness over time.
Treating insomnia will likely require direct consultation with your doctor or a sleep specialist, and may require trial and error to narrow down possible causes and best treatment options.
If you live in Alaska and are worried that you are struggling with insomnia, please contact one of our sleep specialists - start by taking this free online sleep test.