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Article · 2 min read

What Causes Insomnia?

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Learn the common causes of insomnia, who is at risk, and when to see a sleep doctor.

Medically reviewed by , board-certified in sleep medicine and pediatrics · Last reviewed

General information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.

INSOMNIA · CAUSES

Insomnia at a glance

  • Up to 30%Of adults have insomnia
  • Stress, worry and poor sleep habits are the most common causes.
  • Health problems and some medicines can play a part.
  • Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine can keep you awake.
  • A sleep doctor can find the root cause.

Insomnia can have many causes. The most common are stress, worry and poor sleep habits, but health problems, medicines and substances like caffeine can also play a part. A sleep doctor can find the root cause.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia means trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. It affects up to 30% of adults.

It can make it hard to get through the day. It can also affect your mood and your health.

What causes it?

  • Stress and worry — Racing thoughts and worry keep your brain switched on.
  • Poor sleep habits — Going to bed at different times, screen time, and caffeine.
  • Health problems — Long-term pain, acid reflux (GERD), and breathing problems.
  • Mental health — Depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
  • Medicines — Stimulants, antidepressants, and steroids.
  • Substances — Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.

What are the types of insomnia?

  • Short-term (acute) insomnia — Lasts a short time. A stressful event often sets it off.
  • Long-term (chronic) insomnia — Happens at least 3 nights a week for 3 months or more.

How is it treated?

  • CBT-I — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. This therapy helps you change the thoughts and habits that keep you awake. It is the gold standard, or best, treatment, and it works best over the long term.
  • Better sleep habits — Good sleep habits are the base for good sleep.
  • Medicine — Used for a short time when it makes sense.
  • Treating the cause — Treating the health problems behind it.

INSOMNIA · TREATMENT

Treatment options

CBT-I

What it isTherapy that changes the thoughts and habits that keep you awake.

Who it helpsPeople with insomnia; it is the gold standard.

Good to knowWorks best over the long term.

Key point

Better sleep habits

What it isRegular bedtimes, less screen time and less caffeine.

Who it helpsEveryone; good habits are the base for good sleep.

Good to knowOften used alongside other treatment.

Medicine

What it isSleep medicine from your doctor.

Who it helpsSome people, when it makes sense.

Good to knowUsed for a short time.

Treating the cause

What it isTreating health problems behind it, like pain or reflux.

Who it helpsPeople whose insomnia comes from another problem.

Good to knowA sleep doctor can help find it.

INSOMNIA · TYPES

Short-term vs long-term insomnia

Short-term (acute)Long-term (chronic)
How longDeciding factorA short time3 months or more
How oftenNot setAt least 3 nights a week
What sets it offOften a stressful eventStress, habits, health, medicines or substances

Common questions

What is the most common cause of insomnia?
Stress, worry, and poor sleep habits are the most common causes. Health problems, medicines, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can also play a part.

Trusted medical sources

This page follows guidance and research from leading medical organizations.

AASMNHLBISleep FoundationMayo ClinicCDC

Further reading

Part of our insomnia treatment service.

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