Insomnia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Insomnia?
A primary care doctor often starts the care for insomnia. A sleep medicine doctor, a specialist in sleep problems, can help if the cause is unclear or the problem lasts. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. With insomnia, you may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. You may get too little sleep or have poor-quality sleep, and you may not feel refreshed when you wake up.
Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute insomnia usually lasts for days or weeks. Insomnia is chronic when it happens 3 or more nights a week and lasts 3 months or longer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of insomnia include:
- Lying awake for a long time before you fall asleep.
- Sleeping for only short periods.
- Being awake for much of the night.
- Waking up too early.
- Feeling as if you have not slept at all.
Insomnia can cause daytime sleepiness and a lack of energy. It can also make you feel anxious, depressed, or irritable. You may have trouble focusing, learning, and remembering.
Causes and who gets it
Common causes of short-term insomnia include stress at work, family pressures, or a traumatic event. Insomnia can also be a symptom or side effect of another problem, such as a medical condition, a medicine, or another sleep disorder. Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol can also be a cause.
Sometimes chronic insomnia is the main problem and is not caused by something else. Its cause is not well understood.
Insomnia affects women more often than men. You can get it at any age, but older adults are more likely to have it. Your risk is also higher if you have a lot of stress or are depressed. Working at night, having frequent big changes in your work hours, or traveling long distances with time changes also raises the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
You may be diagnosed with insomnia if you have trouble falling or staying asleep for at least 3 nights a week. Your provider takes your medical history and asks about your sleep habits. A physical exam helps rule out other medical problems that might cause insomnia.
It may help to keep a sleep diary for 1 to 2 weeks before you see your doctor. A sleep diary is a record of when you sleep, wake up, and take naps.
Your provider may recommend a sleep study, which measures how well you sleep. Blood tests check for thyroid problems or other conditions that can affect sleep.
Treatment
Healthy sleep habits can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. They include:
- Sleep in a cool, quiet, dark place.
- Go to sleep and wake up around the same time each day.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime.
- Avoid naps, especially in the afternoon.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a 6- to 8-week treatment plan. It is usually recommended as the first treatment option for long-term insomnia and can be very effective. A doctor, nurse, or therapist can do it in person, by telephone, or online.
Some prescription sleep medicines are meant for short-term use, while others are meant for longer-term use. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and side effects. Rare side effects of some of these medicines include doing activities while asleep, such as walking, eating, or driving. Medicines called benzodiazepines may be used if other treatments have not worked. They can be habit-forming and should be taken for only a few weeks.
Research has not proven that melatonin supplements work for insomnia. Talk to your doctor before taking sleep aids that contain antihistamines, because they can be unsafe for some people. If another problem causes your insomnia, it is important to treat that problem if possible.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor if not getting enough sleep is affecting your daily activities. Insomnia can make you feel drowsy while driving, which could lead to a car accident. Talk with your provider about your medicines, since some can disrupt sleep.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can take your medical history and ask about your sleep habits. They can also do a physical exam to rule out other medical problems.
Common questions
Is insomnia serious?
Insomnia can cause serious problems. It can cause daytime sleepiness and a lack of energy. It can also make you feel drowsy while driving, which could lead to a car accident.
What is the first treatment for long-term insomnia?
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is usually recommended as the first treatment option for long-term insomnia. It is a type of counseling that helps ease the worry linked to long-term insomnia.
Does melatonin work for insomnia?
Not clearly. Research has not proven that melatonin is an effective treatment for insomnia. Side effects may include daytime sleepiness, headaches, upset stomach, and worsening depression.
Who is more likely to get insomnia?
Insomnia can happen at any age, but older adults are more likely to have it. It affects women more often than men.
Will I need a sleep study?
You might, because your provider may recommend a sleep study. A sleep study measures how well you sleep and how your body responds to sleep problems.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Insomnia
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Insomnia Treatment
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Insomnia Diagnosis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
