Being worried over something, a stressful day, or too much coffee after dinner can all cause insomnia. Occasional sleepless nights are not unusual. Insomnia can become a problem, however, when it happens often. This is usually called chronic insomnia and the regular lack of restful sleep can interfere with the energy needed for daily activities. People with chronic insomnia often report having two to three sleepless nights a week, or several nights in which they sleep only two to three hours.
Insomnia is caused by different factors.
Stress, anxiety, caffeine, depression, overwork, and certain physical disorders can all cause insomnia. People with HIV can also develop a variety of side effects from their medications that are stressful to them, and stress worsens insomnia. Over one third of people who live in the United States suffer from insomnia. Less than half of these people talk to their doctors about their sleep problems. The first thing you can do if you are experiencing regular insomnia is consult with your doctor or healthcare provider.