Insomnia is a disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or both. With insomnia, you usually awaken feeling unrefreshed, this takes its toll on your quality of life throughout the day, feeling drowsy. Insomnia can sap not only your energy level and lower your mood but also your health, and work performance.

How much sleep is enough varies from person to person. Most people require seven to eight hours a night. Many adults experience insomnia at some point, but some people have chronic insomnia, and they suffer for years.

Insomnia symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty falling asleep at night
  • Awakening during the night
  • Awakening too early
  • Not feeling well rested after a night’s sleep
  • Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
  • Rage depression or anxiety
  • Trouble paying attention or staying on tasks
  • Increased errors or accidents
  • Tension headaches
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Anxiety about your sleep 

Someone with insomnia will often take 30 minutes or more to fall asleep and may get only six or fewer hours of sleep for three or more nights a week.