Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it challenging to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. You might experience disruptions in daily activities due to symptoms like daytime fatigue, irritability, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), medications that settle the nervous system or induce sleepiness, as well as addressing the underlying causes, such as stress, anxiety, or any underlying medical conditions. Improve sleep hygiene by establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
What Is Insomnia?Medically Reviewed by Abhinav Singh, MD | March 19, 2026
FAQ
What are the common causes of insomnia?
The precise cause of insomnia is unclear, but it involves factors like genetics, differences in brain activity, underlying medical problems, mental health conditions, and lifestyle factors, including changes in circumstances and routine. Exercise habits, diet, and stress can also play a role.
How can I improve my sleep naturally?
Having a consistent bedtime routine, sleeping in a relaxing environment, and avoiding caffeine, bright lights, and device screens before bed can improve sleep hygiene, as can increased daytime exercise and sunlight exposure. If these measures don’t help, talk to your physician or a sleep medicine specialist.
When should I see a doctor for insomnia?
See a doctor if insomnia interferes with your daily life or persists for several weeks. A physician may refer you to a sleep center for further testing. Any sign of insomnia requires investigation, as optimal sleep is crucial for overall health.
What is CBT-I?
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a type of therapy that helps you identify and adjust thoughts and behaviors that disrupt sleep. This may include habits you’ve developed to improve sleep that aren’t working or targeting worry around sleep.
Are sleep aids safe for long-term use?
Long-term use of sleeping pills can lead to dependency, as people can build a tolerance quickly and find weaning off them challenging. Sleeping pills can also interact with other substances and cause excessive drowsiness, falls, and behavioral changes. Consult a doctor for advice.
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Abhinav Singh, MD
Medical Reviewer
Abhinav Singh, MD, is a board-certified sleep medicine specialist and the medical director of the Indiana Sleep Center. He is also an associate clinical professor at Marian Univers...
Alex Dimitriu, MD, is dual board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. He helps his patients optimize peak performance by day and peak restorative sleep by night, and he brin...
Chester Wu, MD, is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. He cares for patients through his private practice in Houston, where he provides evaluations, medication...
Angela D. Harper, MD, is in private practice at Columbia Psychiatric Associates in South Carolina, where she provides evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for adul...
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