Types of Insomnia

There are several different degrees of insomnia but scientists have clearly identified three types of insomnia: transient, acute, and chronic.

** Note the difference between patterns of insomnia, and types of insomnia. The former (patterns of insomnia) deals with the time aspect of insomnia specifically within the night - when and how often each night you wake up due to insomnia. The latter (types of insomnia) talks about the long term aspect of insomnia, and how susceptible you are to it. **

1. Transient insomnia lasts from days to weeks. It can be caused by another disorder, by changes in the sleep environment, by the timing of sleep, severe depression, or by stress. Its consequences - sleepiness and impaired psychomotor performance - are similar to those of sleep deprivation. Transient insomnia is most commonly seen in students/athletes. Such individuals might experience difficulty in falling asleep the night before a big event like an exam/tournament. This type of insomnia usually goes away on its own.

2. Acute insomnia is the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of between three weeks to six months. This could be due to stress when thinking about a major event such as a pregnancy/wedding.

3. Chronic insomnia lasts for years at a time. It is usually caused by an underlying disorder. They might include sleepiness, muscular fatigue, hallucinations, and/or mental fatigue. Some people that live with this disorder see things as though they were happening in slow motion, whereas moving objects seem to blend together. This can cause double vision and is especially dangerous for drivers. Chronic insomnia is commonly seen in people with obsessive compulsive disorder.

Correctly identifying the specific type of insomnia can help you make a more informed treatment choice. Check out the tips listed on this site to find out the appropriate solution to your insomnia!