What is insomnia?

    Researchedby:
    Marina Shkayeva

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Insomnia is a common sleep disorder comprising low-quality sleep or not enough sleep due to trouble initiating sleep and/or maintaining sleep. Insomnia can be short term (lasting days or weeks) or chronic (lasting 3 months or longer).[1] Insomnia occurs in 10-15% of the general population, with a greater prevalence in women during and after menopause, as well as older adults. In fact, up to 50% of older adults report insomnia or sleep disturbances.[2][3]