I always have trouble sleeping and staying asleep, is this normal? No its not normal but we can help.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, waking up too early, or experiencing poor-quality sleep despite having adequate opportunity to sleep. Insomnia can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) and may significantly affect physical health, mental well-being, daily functioning, and quality of life.¹²

Chronic insomnia is generally defined as sleep difficulties occurring at least three nights per week for three months or longer. Insomnia can occur on its own or alongside other medical, psychological, or sleep-related conditions.³

Common Symptoms and Signs:

Symptoms may vary from person to person and can affect both nighttime sleep and daytime functioning.

Nighttime Symptoms

Difficulty falling asleep
Frequent awakenings during the night
Waking earlier than intended
Restless or fragmented sleep
Feeling unrefreshed upon waking

Daytime Symptoms

Fatigue
Low energy
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Reduced productivity
Slower reaction times

Emotional Symptoms

Irritability
Anxiety
Mood swings
Increased stress sensitivity
Depression symptoms

Physical Symptoms

Headaches
Muscle tension
Reduced exercise tolerance
Increased perception of pain⁵⁶

Common Stressors:

Emotional Stressors

Psychological factors are among the most common contributors to insomnia.

Anxiety

Excessive worry, racing thoughts, and heightened nervous system activity can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.

Chronic Stress

Ongoing stress may increase physiological arousal and interfere with normal sleep regulation.

Depression

Depression may contribute to both insomnia and excessive sleeping, depending on the individual.

Workplace Stress

High workloads
Job insecurity
Tight deadlines
Occupational burnout

Relationship Challenges

Family conflict
Marital difficulties
Caregiving responsibilities
Social isolation

Major Life Events

Financial hardship
Relocation
Divorce
Loss of a loved one
Significant life transitions⁷⁸

Persistent emotional stress can contribute to a cycle in which poor sleep increases stress, and stress further worsens sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are having these issues, please make an appointment to talk about your options, complete some test, and then we will develop a plan to fit you.

Make An Appointment

Resources:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) – Insomnia Overview
American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Insomnia Information for Patients
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) – Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Sleep and Sleep Disorders
Mayo Clinic – Insomnia Symptoms and Causes
MedlinePlus – Insomnia
American Psychological Association – Stress and Sleep
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Caring for Your Mental Health
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Sleep Disorders Information
Cleveland Clinic – Sleep Disorders Overview
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Nutrition Source
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Sleep and Nutrition Resources
National Sleep Foundation
World Health Organization – Environmental Health
American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Healthy Sleep Resources