Types of Insomnia

Insomnia is grouped by how long it lasts, how it shows up and what is behind it.

By duration

• Acute (short-term) insomnia: lasts days to a few weeks, up to 3 months, usually linked to stress or a change
• Chronic insomnia: at least 3 nights a week for 3 months or more

By pattern

• Sleep-onset insomnia: difficulty falling asleep
• Sleep-maintenance insomnia: waking during the night and struggling to return to sleep
• Early-morning awakening: waking too early and unable to go back to sleep
• Many people have more than one pattern.

By cause

• Primary insomnia: not clearly caused by another condition
• Secondary (comorbid) insomnia: linked to another condition such as depression, anxiety, pain, breathing problems, medicines or substance use

Related sleep disorders

• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Restless legs syndrome
• Circadian rhythm disorders, such as delayed sleep phase and shift-work disorder
• Paradoxical insomnia, where a person feels they barely sleep although tests show more sleep

Ayurvedic view

Traditional texts describe sleeplessness caused by vata, pitta or kapha imbalance, among other causes. This is an interpretive framework and not a modern classification.

Key point

The type guides the treatment. Insomnia linked to another condition improves when that condition is treated as well.

Before your appointment

Keep a sleep diary for 1 to 2 weeks, noting bedtime, wake time, night awakenings, naps, caffeine and alcohol. List all medicines, herbs and sleeping aids you take. Mention snoring, breathing pauses, leg discomfort, pain, low mood, anxiety and daytime sleepiness while driving. Ask about CBT-I, tests, medicine options and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or Tele-MANAS at 14416.