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Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects up to 30% of adults. And about 10% of adults suffer from chronic insomnia, which involves sleep disturbances that happen at least 3 times a week for 3 months.

There are a few common signs and symptoms of insomnia, including some that happen during the day. Insomnia isn’t just about nighttime difficulties — it can impact your ability to function anytime.

The classic signs and symptoms of insomnia include:

– Trouble falling asleep

– Waking up frequently during the night and having trouble getting back to sleep

– Waking up too early and being unable to get back to sleep

– Feeling tired even after what seems like enough sleep

Insomnia can also cause symptoms during the day, such as:

– Fatigue or low energy

– Mood disturbances, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression

– Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

– Impaired performance at work or school

– Increased errors or accidents

– Tension headaches or stomach issues

There are 3 key types of insomnia you may be diagnosed with. 

Acute or short-term insomnia lasts for a few days to a few weeks. It’s often triggered by changes or events like job stress or emotional issues. It usually improves once your triggers resolve.

Chronic or long-term insomnia happens at least 3 nights per week for months or more. It may take a combination of approaches to effectively treat it.

Comorbid insomnia is linked to one or more other health conditions, like anxiety, chronic pain, or sleep apnea. Because of the connection, treating the underlying condition may improve your sleep. But many underlying conditions can be difficult to treat, so you may also need to treat your insomnia.

The right insomnia treatment plan depends on the type of insomnia you have, its underlying causes, and how long you’ve had it. Treatment tends to be most successful when it’s tailored to your specific case.

Many people want to cure insomnia naturally, and some options don’t involve medication, or can be used along with medication, including:

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) focuses on thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep.

Sleep hygiene focuses on a consistent bedtime routine, less screen time, a comfortable sleep environment, limiting daytime naps, avoiding late-night meals, and not smoking in the evening.

Reduced alcohol and caffeine intake, regular exercise, and stress management may improve sleep.

Meditation may ease stress and anxiety that contribute to insomnia.

Natural supplements, like valerian root, melatonin, or magnesium, can help some people improve sleep.

But for people with chronic or severe insomnia, these changes may not be enough alone. When this is the case, medications offer an effective approach for many people.

Sleep medications, including those listed here, have side effects, some serious. They may also have warnings, be contraindicated for some people (meaning those people shouldn’t take them), and may interact with other medications. 

Listed here are some of the most common side effects of sleep medications. Before taking any medication or considering using a medication talk with your provider and read the medication guide.

Common side effects of z-drugs, like Ambien and Lunesta, include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, confusion, memory problems, headache, nausea, and dry mouth. Some z-drugs also cause complex sleep behaviors, like sleepwalking, eating, or driving, that may result in injury or death. And more serious, but less common, side effects like allergic reactions can happen.

Benzodiazepines, like temazepam (Restoril), can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired, confusion, memory problems, and daytime fatigue. Some users experience paradoxical reactions like increased anxiety or agitation. Other potential effects include changes in appetite, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal issues. Rarely, more severe reactions occur.

Common side effects of sedating antidepressants. like doxepin (Silenor). include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, weight gain, daytime fatigue, headaches, or nausea. Cognitive effects like confusion or memory issues and sexual side effects have happened. Rarely, more serious effects like changes in heart rhythm or allergic reactions have occurred.

The extended use of sleep medications that are controlled substances may lead to dependence, abuse, and/or withdrawal symptoms.