Insomnia is a sleep disorder where individuals have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. This can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulties with concentration. Acute Insomnia is short-term, often triggered by stress, anxiety, or changes in environment. It lasts for days or weeks. Chronic Insomnia occurs at least three times a week for three months or longer, often linked to underlying health conditions or persistent stressors. Common causes include psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Certain medical conditions can result in difficulty sleeping such as chronic pain, asthma, acid reflux, or hormonal changes. Other causes include certain prescription medications that can disrupt sleep patterns (stimulant medications, etc), lifestyle choices (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and irregular sleep schedules). Symptoms of insomnia include trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep, daytime sleepiness or fatigue, difficulty concentrating or memory issues, mood changes, such as irritability or anxiety. When suffering with insomnia first try changing behavioral patterns which include establishing a sleep schedule, engaging in calming activities before bed such as (reading, meditating or taking a warm bath), limiting screen time, avoiding (large meals, caffeine and alcohol) close to bedtime, optimizing the sleep environment, being physically active, limiting naps during daytime. When behavioral changes above fail to resolve the sleep issues typically your doctor will advise you on trying over-the-counter melatonin (a natural hormone in our body involved in sleep regulation). If that does not work then you will likely need prescription medication from your doctor.