Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or obtaining restorative sleep, despite having adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep. Individuals with insomnia often experience persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, and they may wake up too early in the morning or have non-refreshing sleep. Untreated insomnia can worsen other medical conditions or make them more difficult to manage. 

Common symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep at bedtime, waking up frequently during the night, waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep, and feeling tired or unrefreshed upon waking. These symptoms can lead to daytime impairments such as fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and decreased performance in daily activities. 

Insomnia can have various causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, unresolved trauma, certain medical conditions, medications, caffeine or nicotine use, and poor sleep habits. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting). Acute insomnia is often triggered by temporary factors such as a stressful event or jet lag, while chronic insomnia lasts for at least three nights per week and persists for a month or longer. Many people suffer with chronic insomnia for years. 

Treatment for insomnia focuses on addressing the underlying causes and improving sleep habits. This may involve practicing good sleep hygiene, which includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a conducive sleep environment, avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime, and promoting relaxation techniques. Often treatment also involves assessing and treating longstanding trauma, including covert trauma. This type of trauma isn’t immediately apparent to the sufferer, which is why it often remains unaddressed. 

In some cases, healthcare professionals may recommend cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which is a structured approach that helps individuals identify and change thoughts and behaviours that contribute to insomnia. 

Medications may be prescribed for short-term relief of insomnia symptoms, but they are never intended for long-term use due to potential side effects and dependence. Long-term treatment success requires management of the actual causes for your insomnia, which can be assessed through a series of expert counselling sessions.