Insomnia in Women and Men: Causes at Different Ages

The night drags on and sleep will not come — and in the morning you feel drained again. Insomnia is rarely "just because": it has a cause, and that cause is often linked to age, hormones, and how the day is structured. Making sense of it is calmer than it seems.

What is considered insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder: it is hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or both. As a result, sleep is short or shallow, and after waking there is no feeling of rest. Doctors distinguish short-term insomnia (less than 3 months) and long-term insomnia (3 months or longer); other descriptions refer to acute (days or weeks) and chronic (a month or more).

Sleep needs vary from person to person. On average, adults need 7–9 hours, children — 9–13, and infants — 12–17. Constant daytime fatigue suggests that sleep is probably insufficient.

Insomnia in women: stress, hormonal periods

Insomnia occurs in women more often than in men. Among the causes cited are stress, anxiety and depression, as well as menopause. External circumstances also play a role: night work, frequent shift changes, long trips with time zone changes.

Insomnia in men and after 40

Insomnia is also common in men, although statistics less often place them first. Sleep can be disrupted by snoring and interrupted breathing during sleep (apnea), restless legs syndrome, and chronic pain. Insomnia occurs more often with age: older people are in the risk group. Alcohol, caffeine and nicotine also interfere with sleep.

Insomnia at a young age

Short-term insomnia is caused by stress at work, family difficulties, or a traumatic event. At any age, sleep can be disrupted by stress, shift work, alcohol, and caffeine. Medical causes are also possible: anxiety, depression, hyperthyroidism.

Diseases and habits that disrupt sleep

Among the conditions that can cause insomnia are mental disorders (for example, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder), Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and menopause. Some medications also disrupt sleep. Sleep is disturbed by noise, a room that is too hot or too cold, an uncomfortable bed, snoring and apnea, and nightmares.

• Stress, anxiety or depression
• Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine
• Noise and uncomfortable temperature in the bedroom
• Chronic pain and restless legs syndrome
• Night work and time zone changes

When insomnia should be discussed with a doctor

See a doctor if changing sleep habits has not helped, if sleep problems last for months, or if they interfere with managing everyday tasks. The doctor determines the cause of insomnia and may refer you for a sleep study or to a sleep clinic if apnea is suspected. Sometimes cognitive behavioral therapy is offered — it helps change the thoughts and habits that interfere with sleep.

Insomnia by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if sleep problems are accompanied by signs of a life-threatening condition, such as a stroke or heart attack.

This text is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: if sleep problems persist, it is better to discuss them with a specialist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer