Insomnia is defined as a condition whereby an individual has difficulty falling or staying asleep. It can be very harmful, especially when it affects your daily life, leading to a lack of energy, and a lack of concentration or productivity in your daily activities. But what do you need to know about insomnia? What information can help you deal with that?

If you thought there was only one type of insomnia, well, you thought wrong. There are multiple types of insomnia that stem from all kinds of different causes. By determining what type, you have, you can also find its roots and learn to treat or manage them. Especially for those whose causes of insomnia originate from other disorders.

The 5 types of insomnia and how to prevent them

What does each type of insomnia mean? What are your causes? How can you prevent them from happening?

1. Acute insomnia

Acute insomnia is a brief episode in which there is difficulty sleeping that can appear at any time that there is a relevant trigger. It is usually the result of:

· An event

· Disease

· Stress

· Bad news

· Jet lag

· Sleeping in a new location

· Medication

· The death of a loved one

· Emotions

· Discomfort or pain

· Disruptors or environmental factors

In other words, acute insomnia is not a chronic problem. It is the result of a one-time event and is not something you will have to deal with in the long run. In most cases, acute insomnia goes away on its own and requires little or no treatment.

This form of short-term insomnia is the most common type of annoyance that affects people, lasting no more than a few weeks. Some people may not even realize they are suffering from insomnia, as the inability to sleep is a normal and expected side effect of the aforementioned causes.

2. Chronic insomnia

Chronic insomnia is a long-term problem, characterized by trouble sleeping for at least three nights a week for a period of three months or more. It can happen at random times, or it can be a regular part of your life.

There are two types of chronic insomnia. The first is called primary chronic insomnia. This is also called idiopathic insomnia, which means that there is no apparent medical, physical, or other underlying cause.

The second is called secondary insomnia. It is also known as comorbid insomnia, and this is more common than the primary type. It is usually accompanied by another disorder or condition.

The following are common causes of chronic insomnia, whether of the first or second type:

· Mental health disorders, such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression

· Lifestyle issues, such as persistent jet lag, inconsistent napping, or changing work shifts

· Medications, such as antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, or beta-blockers

· Chronic disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, sleep apnea, or Parkinson's disease

· Stimulants, such as drugs, alcohol, or nicotine

3. Sleep-onset insomnia

Sleep-onset insomnia refers to insomnia that involves difficulty with the act of initiating sleep or going to sleep. It can come in acute or chronic forms. For most people, this presents as a side effect or a companion factor of depression, anxiety, stress, or other psychiatric or psychological conditions.

For chronic-onset sleep insomnia, studies have found a link between this insomnia and other types of sleep disorders, so if you have this type of insomnia, you probably want to know if you have a positive diagnosis for any of the following conditions. These may include:

· Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

· Late stage sleep syndrome

· Restless legs syndrome

· Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

4. Maintenance insomnia

Maintenance insomnia refers to a type of insomnia defined by difficulty staying asleep or staying asleep. It can also refer to waking hours that are too early for you. After you wake up, you may not be able to go back to sleep properly, which will further affect your sleep cycle.

There are a wide variety of conditions that can cause maintenance insomnia, including:

· Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

· Sleep apnea

· Restless legs syndrome

· Asthma

· Gastroesophageal reflux disease

· Other respiratory conditions

Maintenance insomnia can also be caused by sleep disorders, such as external factors such as bad temperatures, excessive light, or loud noises. When you wake up to these conditions, you may not be able to go back to sleep until they are fixed.