Insomni

Insomni, commonly spelled insomnia in medical literature, refers to a sleep disorder characterized by persistent problems with sleep initiation, sleep maintenance, or non-restorative sleep despite adequate opportunity to sleep. It affects a substantial portion of the population at any given time, with estimates varying by criteria; chronic insomnia is estimated to affect a minority of adults over months or years.

Symptoms typically include difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night and having trouble returning to sleep, waking too early, and daytime consequences such as fatigue, impaired concentration, memory problems, irritability, or reduced performance. Insomnia can be classified by duration as transient (short-lived), short-term, persistent, or chronic, with chronic insomnia lasting three months or longer and occurring three or more nights per week.

Causes are categorized as primary (not attributable to another condition) or secondary (associated with medical, psychiatric, or environmental factors). Risk factors include high stress, anxiety or depression, other sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome), certain medications, shift work, caffeine or alcohol use, and aging. Gender and hormonal changes can also influence risk.

Diagnosis relies on clinical history and, when indicated, sleep assessment tools such as sleep diaries, actigraphy, or polysomnography to exclude other sleep disorders. Treatment emphasizes nonpharmacologic approaches, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and sleep hygiene practices. Pharmacologic options, if used, are generally recommended for short durations and under professional supervision, due to potential dependence and side effects. Addressing comorbid conditions and lifestyle factors is central to management. Note: insomni is not the standard term in most medical references, where insomnia is preferred.