Insomnia

Insomnia can cause problems during the day, such as excessive sleepiness, fatigue, trouble thinking clearly or staying focused, or feeling depressed or irritable. It is not defined by the number of hours you sleep every night. Although the amount of sleep a person needs varies, most people need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a condition in which it is difficult to get to sleep, or to remain soundly asleep, resulting in too short and too low-quality sleep which affects normal functioning. It causes fatigue and daytime sleepiness. It may be classified as acute, lasting a few days or weeks, or chronic, when it lasts longer than a month.

Treatment of Middle-of-the-Night Insomnia

Middle of the Night Insomnia and Biphasic Sleeping

Insomnia Treatment

Screen Time and Insomnia

Middle of the Night Insomnia

Causes of Sleep-Onset Insomnia

Insomnia in Pregnancy

Insomnia Symptoms

Insomnia in Children

Sleep-Onset Insomnia

Promoting Sounder Sleep in Older Adults

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Insomnia Causes

Treatment of Sleep-Onset Insomnia

Latest Insomnia News and Research

UCL study reveals the challenges faced by London's night workers

A major new study by UCL researchers has revealed the challenges faced by London's 1.3m night workers, including pay inequality, health problems, transport difficulties, safety concerns and a lack of workplace dignity.

4 Dec 2025

Medical cannabis evidence falls short for most conditions

Medical cannabis lacks adequate scientific backing for most of the conditions it is commonly used to treat, including chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia, according to a comprehensive review led by UCLA Health.

3 Dec 2025

Tai chi proves as effective as CBT for long-term insomnia relief

Researchers compare the efficacy of Tai chi with cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of chronic insomnia.

3 Dec 2025

Automated EHR system triages cancer symptoms, improves care team efficiency

For many people living with cancer, symptoms such as pain, anxiety or insomnia can quickly spiral into an emergency room visit. Such visits can be financially costly and take an emotional toll on patients and their caregivers.

3 Dec 2025

Bedtime stress behaviors connect financial strain to declining sleep health

Long before the alarm sounds, many Americans lose quality rest to the quiet worries that surface after dark - whether about bills, the next paycheck or job stability. New research from Rice University shows those bedtime stress moments aren't just uncomfortable; they're part of a measurable pathway connecting economic stress to poor sleep.

1 Dec 2025

Older women with comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea show worse memory performance

New research among older adults with sleep apnea reveals that verbal memory performance is significantly worse in women - but not in men - who also have insomnia.

1 Dec 2025

Tai chi offers comparable benefits to CBT for chronic insomnia

Tai chi, a form of mind-body exercise widely practiced in Chinese communities, has similar benefits to talking therapy for middle aged and older people with chronic insomnia, finds a trial from Hong Kong published by The BMJ today.

26 Nov 2025

Deep learning AI model identifies first-of-its-kind biomarker of chronic stress

Using a deep learning AI model, researchers identified the first-of-its-kind biomarker of chronic stress detectable through routine imaging, according to research being presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.

25 Nov 2025

People with both sleep apnea and insomnia more likely to have high blood pressure

The likelihood of high blood pressure is clearly higher among people who have both sleep apnea and insomnia. This is shown by a study from the University of Gothenburg.

18 Nov 2025

One concussion can raise your car crash risk by nearly 50%

Research shows that concussions elevate the risk of motor vehicle crashes, particularly in the weeks following injury, necessitating enhanced safety measures.

10 Nov 2025

Adults diagnosed with concussion face elevated risk of a traffic crash

Adults diagnosed with a concussion may be at about 50 per cent higher risk of a subsequent traffic crash, finds a new study from researchers at ICES and Sunnybrook Research Institute.

6 Nov 2025

New study highlights the impact of pediatric integrative medicine services

A new study conducted by University Hospitals Connor Whole Health highlights the impact of pediatric integrative medicine services.

5 Nov 2025

How gut microbes shape sleep: New review reveals microbiome clues to insomnia and apnea

A new Brain Medicine review maps how gut microbes influence sleep disorders, from insomnia and sleep apnea to circadian disruption, via bile acids, neurotransmitters, and immune pathways. The findings highlight gut-driven targets for improving sleep quality through diet, probiotics, and microbiome modulation.

5 Nov 2025

New review illuminates the intricate connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation

A comprehensive review published today in Brain Medicine illuminates the intricate connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation, establishing the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a critical pathway in understanding and potentially treating sleep disorders.

4 Nov 2025

Long-term use of melatonin supplements linked to higher risk of heart failure and death

Long-term use of melatonin supplements, often used to promote sleep and address insomnia, was associated with a higher risk of heart failure diagnosis, heart failure hospitalization and death from any cause in chronic insomnia, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025.

3 Nov 2025

How branding and peer pressure keep kids hooked on energy drinks

Children and adolescents in North East England still find energy drinks easy to access despite a voluntary UK ban, drawn by taste, price, and powerful marketing. Hydration drinks like PRIME are viewed as “healthier,” even though young consumers often misunderstand their ingredients and health impacts.

28 Oct 2025

Reducing prescriptions of sleep drugs in older adults could provide health and economic benefits

Millions of older Americans suffering from insomnia regularly use prescription sleep medications, despite the risk of serious side effects-such as falls, broken bones

28 Oct 2025

Hormone therapy does not consistently reduce menopause-related anxiety, new review finds

Anxiety is a common and significant symptom of menopause and perimenopause, largely due to hormone fluctuations. Numerous studies have focused on the potential benefits of hormone therapy in reducing anxiety.

21 Oct 2025

Caring-healing approaches strengthen resilience and emotional recovery in cancer survivors

As cancer survivorship rises, many people living with or beyond cancer face lasting physical and emotional challenges – particularly anxiety and depression, which affect about 30% of this population. Emotional distress is often unspoken, leading to fear, despair, and diminished quality of life.

16 Oct 2025

New mothers more likely to experience severe pain and sleep problems after C-section

New mothers are more likely to experience severe pain that disrupts sleep and activities of daily living, as well as develop sleep disorders, if they give birth by cesarean delivery (C-section), suggests research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2025 annual meeting.

12 Oct 2025