Understanding Insomnia

Drew Faust, the 28th President of Harvard University, depicts her struggle with getting enough high-quality sleep.

You may ask why we spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping. We are biologically wired to sleep. Sleep has been shown to be vital for our existence. Unfortunately, many of us do not get the sleep we need. After many restless nights, you may be concerned about having insomnia. But what is insomnia exactly?

Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder that leads to negative daytime effects despite adequate opportunity to sleep. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or experiencing non-refreshing sleep. Up to 30 to 40% of Americans have experienced symptoms of insomnia. For some, symptoms of insomnia can resolve on its own or due to changes in the sleep environment or sleep behaviors. However, roughly 10% of the adult population suffer from chronic insomnia, defined as lasting for at least 3x per week for 3 or more months. Chronic insomnia may require evaluation and treatment.

A compilation of individuals tossing and turning experiencing a restless night.

Many restless nights can make it difficult for you to live an enjoyable and productive life. Chronic insomnia may feel unsolvable. Despite the negative consequences of sleeping disorders, many people remain undiagnosed and do not receive treatment. It is important that you know the characteristics of insomnia and when to reach out for help.