What Is Insomnia?
People with insomnia often experience chronic fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating; effects that can harm work, relationships, and overall health. Affecting people of all ages and backgrounds, insomnia requires prompt attention to reduce its long-term impact and help restore quality sleep and well-being.
What causes Insomnia?
Common contributors include:
- Stress and anxiety, including work pressure or major life changes
- Mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression
- Medical conditions, including chronic pain, reflux, or hormonal changes
- Sleep-related behaviours, like irregular schedules, excessive screen use, or caffeine intake
- Environmental factors, such as noise, light, or temperature disruptions
- Other sleep disorders, including sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome
Because insomnia frequently overlaps with other health or sleep conditions, proper screening is essential to guide appropriate care.
What causes Insomnia?
Common contributors include:
- Stress and anxiety, including work pressure or major life changes
- Mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression
- Medical conditions, including chronic pain, reflux, or hormonal changes
- Sleep-related behaviours, like irregular schedules, excessive screen use, or caffeine intake
- Environmental factors, such as noise, light, or temperature disruptions
- Other sleep disorders, including sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome
Because insomnia frequently overlaps with other health or sleep conditions, proper screening is essential to guide appropriate care.
Symptoms of Insomnia
Who Is More Likely to Experience Insomnia?
While anyone can experience sleep difficulties, certain factors may increase the likelihood of ongoing insomnia-related symptoms.
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Experience high levels of stress or anxiety
- Have a demanding or irregular work schedule
- Use caffeine, alcohol, or screens close to bedtime
- Live with chronic pain or medical conditions
- Have a history of sleep disruption
- Travel frequently or work shift hours
- Tend to worry about sleep or feel pressure to “sleep well”
Insomnia is also more common during major life transitions such as new parenthood, career changes, illness, or periods of emotional stress.
How Is Insomnia Screened?
Insomnia is evaluated through a structured review of sleep patterns, symptoms, and contributing factors rather than a single test.
Initial Screening & Sleep History
If you suspect you may have insomnia, the first step is to reach out to a Resolve Sleep Health Clinician. Our team will conduct an initial assessment that looks at:
- Your typical sleep schedule and routines
- How long sleep difficulties have been occurring
- Nighttime awakenings and early morning waking
- Daytime effects such as fatigue, focus issues, or mood changes
- Lifestyle habits and current medications
- Relevant medical or mental health history
This helps identify whether your experience aligns with insomnia-related sleep disruption and what may be contributing to it.
Evaluating for Other Sleep or Health-Related Conditions
Since insomnia can be influenced by other conditions, screening may also explore factors such as:
- Stress and emotional health
- Chronic pain or medical concerns
- Circadian rhythm issues
- Breathing disturbances during sleep
If symptoms suggest possible sleep apnea, a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) may be recommended to better understand your sleep patterns and guide care.
Next Steps After Screening
Based on your results, you may be recommended to start Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) treatment along with practical sleep strategies and lifestyle adjustments.
In some cases, short-term medication support may be considered as part of a broader care plan.
When Should You Consider Insomnia Screening?
You may benefit from sleep screening if:
- Sleep difficulties happen several nights per week
- Problems last for weeks or longer
- You feel tired, unfocused, or irritable during the day
- Poor sleep is affecting work, relationships, or well-being
Understanding the signs your sleep problems may need clinical support can help you determine when to seek help from a sleep clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have insomnia?
Insomnia is more than occasional poor sleep. If you regularly struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake too early, and this affects your daytime energy, mood, or focus, you may be experiencing insomnia symptoms. A Resolve Sleep Health clinician can help determine appropriate next steps through screening.
What is the difference between occasional poor sleep and insomnia?
Occasional poor sleep is common and often linked to short-term stress, schedule changes, or lifestyle factors. Insomnia involves ongoing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early over a longer period of time, with noticeable daytime effects such as fatigue, mood changes, or difficulty concentrating.
Can stress and anxiety cause insomnia?
Yes. Stress, worry, and racing thoughts are among the most common contributors to sleep disruption. When the brain remains in a heightened state of alertness, it becomes harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, which can reinforce ongoing sleep difficulties.
Is insomnia linked to other sleep disorders?
Sleep difficulties can sometimes overlap with conditions such as breathing-related sleep disturbances, circadian rhythm issues, or restless sleep patterns. That’s why screening often includes evaluating for other sleep-related factors that may be contributing to poor rest.
How are Insomnia and Sleep Apnea related?
Although insomnia and sleep apnea are distinct disorders, they often overlap. Many people with sleep apnea experience insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, due to frequent breathing interruptions and nighttime awakenings. This combination is called COMISA (Co-Morbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnea) and requires a tailored treatment approach.
What does insomnia screening involve?
Screening typically includes questions about your sleep patterns, daily routines, and stress levels to better understand your sleep concerns.
Can insomnia screening be done virtually?
Yes. Insomnia screening and CBT‑I services can be provided virtually, making it easy and convenient to access sleep care from home.
What approaches are commonly used to improve insomnia?
Most evidence-based care focuses on behavioural strategies, sleep pattern retraining, and reducing sleep-related anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), along with lifestyle adjustments, is commonly recommended. Short-term medical support may be used in certain cases as part of a broader care plan.
Can improving sleep habits really make a difference?
Yes. Consistent sleep schedules, limiting caffeine and screen time, improving sleep environments, and managing stress can significantly improve sleep quality when combined with structured behavioural approaches.