

If the specialist suspects a disorder, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, you may need to do an overnight sleep study at home or at a special sleep center. If your insomnia persists even after treatment, your doctor may refer you to a sleep disorders specialist for an evaluation. Obesity, for example, may cause sleep apnea. Your doctor will also do a physical exam to look for health disorders that can cause insomnia. They might also ask you to keep a detailed log of your sleep habits, including sleep and wake times, napping, and any specific problems with sleeping. To diagnose insomnia, your doctor will ask about your sleep patterns and habits, stress levels, medical history, level of physical activity, and use of medications, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and illegal substances. Making errors at work, school, or while driving.Attention, concentration, or memory problems.If you have insomnia, you may have some of these symptoms: Interference with one’s regular sleep schedule (including jet lag or switching work shifts).Medical condition or disease (including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, asthma, cancer, heartburn, heart failure, overactive thyroid, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and other health problems).Stress (including job change or loss, moving, death of a loved one).Many factors can cause acute or chronic insomnia: Secondary insomnia: Sleep problems occur because of another issue, such as a sleep disorder like apnea another health condition or disease chronic pain from arthritis or headaches medications or alcohol, caffeine, and other substances. You can also develop primary insomnia because of certain habits, such as taking naps or worrying about sleep. But even after such causes go away, the insomnia may persist. Instead, they are triggered by major stress, emotional upset, travel, and work schedules. Primary insomnia: Sleep problems are not directly connected with any other health problem. Insomnia can also come and go, with periods when you have no sleep problems. When insomnia comes at least 3 nights a week for 3 months or longer, doctors consider it chronic. Or it can come in a long-lasting, chronic form. Insomnia can be acute, meaning short-term. Over 25% of Americans don’t get enough sleep from time to time, but almost 10% have chronic insomnia. During the day, you’re sleepy and tired and have trouble functioning. You don’t feel refreshed when you wake up.


If you have insomnia, you may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, waking too early, or getting good quality sleep that leaves you feeling rested.
