Types of Insomnia - Overview

How To Classify Insomnia: Doctors use many tools to diagnose and treat patients with insomnia and related sleep disorders. If you suffer from insomnia, it is important you learn about the many different types of insomnia that exist, and the insomnia symptoms associated with each insomnia type. While there are dozens of ways people describe insomnia, most doctors categorize the three most common forms of insomnia as "transient," "acute," or "chronic" insomnia. Each type of insomnia is similar in many ways but also very different. The type of insomnia treatment your doctor recommends may depend in part on the type of insomnia you have.

Transient Insomnia: Transient insomnia is among the more common types of insomnia doctors diagnose and treat. The term "transient" means "short-term" or "not lasting." The National Institutes of Health describes transient insomnia as insomnia that comes and goes sporadically. For people suffering from transient insomnia, it may seem like there is no rhyme or reason for their symptoms. Symptoms of transient insomnia may include occasional bouts of sleeplessness, an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at various times, and feeling fatigued during the day.
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Acute Insomnia: People that develop short-term insomnia or insomnia with rapid onset are often diagnosed as having "acute" insomnia. People with acute insomnia often suffer symptoms of transient insomnia including having difficulty sleeping or waking frequently at night. Acute insomnia often results from a major life event, like a death in the family, a wedding, or other unexpected or highly anticipated events. For many, acute insomnia resolves once a person tackles the trigger or enjoys the happy occasion that gave rise to acute insomnia to begin with.
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Chronic Insomnia: Chronic insomnia is a more severe form of insomnia characterized by many of the primary symptoms of insomnia. Unlike acute or transient insomnia, chronic insomnia may last for months or years. A person with chronic insomnia may find they have most of the signs & symptoms of acute insomnia, but also experience many other problems like have trouble concentrating. Chronic insomnia can lead to anxiety and depression, or may be a symptom of an underlying disease. Treatments for chronic insomnia often including cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep medication.
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When To See Your Doctor: If you suffer frequent bouts of insomnia you should take time out to record your symptoms for a week or two. If after this time your symptoms do not resolve you should consider calling your doctor for proper treatment and diagnosis of your condition. By keeping a sleep diary or journal, your doctor will have a head start while trying to diagnose the type of insomnia or other condition you have leading to your symptoms. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a wealth of problems including persistent anxiety, irritability and anger. Make sure you visit your doctor early on to avoid facing these undesirable side effects.