Treatment Flash Insomnia and HIV Insomnia is the inability to sleep or irregular sleep that is prematurely interrupted or ended by periods of wakefulness. Most people have had an occasional episode of insomnia. 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.