Insomnia can be categorized into various types of sleep disorders based on its origin, duration, and characteristics.
When classified by duration, there are three types: transient insomnia, which lasts under a month; short-term insomnia, lasting from one to six months; and chronic insomnia, which continues for over six months.
In terms of cause, insomnia is either primary or secondary.
- Primary insomnia stands alone and is not linked to any other health issue.
- Secondary, or co-morbid insomnia, happens alongside another medical or mental health condition.
Specific kinds of insomnia include:
- Onset insomnia, which involves difficulty falling asleep.
- Maintenance insomnia, which is having trouble staying asleep.
- Behavioral insomnia in childhood, characterized by resistance to bedtime, delayed sleep onset, or frequent night awakenings, affects about 25% of children.
There's also mixed insomnia, which is a blend of different insomnia types.