Is sleep a continual struggle and is insomnia to blame? Insomnia refers to problems falling asleep, staying asleep, and not getting enough sleep. It can make you feel tired after you wake up and low in energy throughout the day. The condition can affect your quality of life, work performance, mood, and health. Read on to learn about the most common types of insomnia.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Insomnia
The most common general form of insomnia is short-term insomnia, also called acute insomnia. Lasting for a few days or weeks, it usually stems from a stressful or traumatic event, such as losing a job or a loved one or discovering you have a serious illness. In many cases, short-term insomnia fades away as the person learns to cope with the stress or trauma.
However, insomnia that lasts for more than three months is long-term, or chronic, insomnia. It may have any of several causes, including stressful or traumatic events. Other possible causes range from irregular work and sleep schedules to frequent nightmares, mental health disorders, physical or neurological problems, and even medication reactions. In some situations, acute insomnia develops into chronic insomnia.
Specific Kinds of Insomnia
In addition to the general classifications of short-term and long-term insomnia, different people may have various forms, each with specific characteristics. Below are brief descriptions of a few commonly experienced types of insomnia:
- Sleep onset insomnia. Characteristics include trouble falling asleep for the first half-hour (or longer) after going to bed.
- Sleep maintenance insomnia. The person falls asleep but repeatedly awakens, requiring a half-hour or more to fall back asleep each time.
- Early morning awakening insomnia. The individual awakens in the morning well before they want to wake up.
- Comorbid insomnia. Insomnia related to an underlying psychological or physical condition, such as anxiety, depression, pain, or sleep apnea.
- Mixed insomnia. This term refers to insomnia that has a combination of causes.
Get Effective Therapy for the Most Common Types of Insomnia
Effective therapy is available regardless of the type of insomnia you might have. Licensed Professional Counselor Taylor Trussel at Positive Living Psychotherapy can help adults and adolescents understand and resolve their insomnia and associated problems like anxiety, depression, and trauma. He also has certification in Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART), which helps people manage addictive and compulsive behaviors.
Taylor’s therapeutic approach is customized to meet each individual\’s needs. With a master\’s degree in counseling and a Ph.D. in philosophy, he has the knowledge and experience needed to help his clients get a good night’s sleep and lead a productive, successful life.
There’s no need to suffer from the symptoms of insomnia. If you are ready to get compassionate, qualified counseling, connect with Taylor at Positive Living Psychotherapy online now. Or call 770.552.0333 to schedule a free phone consultation.