According to the National Institute of Health, more than 70 million Americans experience insomnia at some time in their lives. The medical profession considers insomnia a symptom, not a disease. Various illnesses can cause insomnia, as well as caffeine, alcohol, smoking, depression, anxiety, stress, and arthritic pain.
Insomnia is considered transient if the problem lasts for two days to two weeks.
If insomnia lasts for three weeks or more, the problem may be considered chronic. Quality sleep is essential for physical and emotional health. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can cause fatigue, loss of energy, memory problems, and accidents. Sometimes medications may be prescribed to treat insomnia. The good news is that research suggests that exercise may be more beneficial than drugs to induce sleep with no side effects.