What is insomnia?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by low-quality or insufficient sleep due to difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep, in the short term or long term. It affects 10% to 15% of the general population, and the prevalence is higher in women during and after menopause and in older adults, 50% of whom report sleep disturbances.

    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]