A sleep disorder means individuals have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Insomnia condition is either acute or chronic. It is not permanent; it may come and go.

Acute or short-term: Lasts for 1 night to a few weeks.

Chronic or long-term: At least 3 nights a week for 3 months.

Types and Causes of Insomnia

The cause of insomnia varies from one person to other, but it must be among the below mentioned. 

The reasons for short-term insomnia include,

• Jet lag
• Stress
• Physical pain
• An upsetting or traumatic event
• Certain medications
• Irritating feel due to noise, temperature, or light
• Trouble sleeping in the new environment etc.

Chronic insomnia is classified as primary or secondary.

There is no known cause for primary insomnia whereas,

Secondary insomnia occurs due to health condition which includes,

• Psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety
• Sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
• Arthritis or bipolar disorder or back pain or schizophrenia
• Hypothyroidism and other endocrine problems
• Substance use (caffeine, tobacco or alcohol etc.)
• Medications for allergies, cold, depression, asthma, and high blood pressure.

Symptoms of Insomnia

Lack of sleep will make your day slothful. The major symptoms of insomnia will be,

• Drowsiness during the day
• Wake up before time in the morning
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Complication with memory or concentration
• Unrefreshing sleep.

These symptoms can lead to other troubles like,

• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Grumpiness

Risk Factors

• Aged people are at high risk 
• People with mental health issues
• Change in working shifts
• Individuals with long term illness
• Travel to different timezone
• If you are pregnant and going through menopause
• Emotional disorders such as stress and depression.

Complications

Our body and brain are worked up during the daytime, so they need to relax. It can be done during a good night's sleep. If you are awake and the reason is insomnia, you could have:

• If you're an older woman, you could faint
• A major risk in health like obesity, high blood pressure, and depression
• Weak immune system
• You can't concentrate or focus on a particular thing
• Anxiety and grumpiness.
• It can affect your daily routine and includes:
• Affect your memory
• Can't perform well at school or work
• Slower reaction time leads to a car crash
• Lower your sex drive.

Prevention of Insomnia

• If you have good sleep habits, you may overcome insomnia.
• Including weekends make sure your bedtime and wake up time are constant.
• Don't take naps during the daytime. Keep yourselves active throughout the day. It will help with a good night's sleep.
• Avoid using phones or e-books before bed; their bright light will distract your sleep.
• Have some hobbies that can relax you before going to bed. Take a warm bath, read some books, or listen to music.
• Don't have a heavy meal at night; it troubles you to get sleep. Thus, a light bite before bed helps you to sleep.
• You can check your medications if they lead to insomnia.
• Keep your bedroom comfortable and use it only for sex and sleep.
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine, and don't use nicotine.