Insomnia

Types

Primary insomnias

Idiopathic insomnia begins in infancy and continues throughout life (idiopathic means of unknown cause).
Psychophysiological insomnia is due to excessive worry about lack of sleep.
Paradoxical insomnia is an underestimation of sleep by the patient in comparison to more objective measures (such as a polysomnogram).

Secondary insomnias

Adjustment insomnia is caused by stress.
Behavioral insomnia of childhood is caused by lack of an enforced bedtime.
Inadequate sleep hygiene is caused by lifestyle habits that interfere with sleep.
Insomnia due to psychiatric disorder is caused by an underlying psychiatric disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Insomnia due to a medical condition is caused by an underlying condition such as restless legs syndrome, chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, or hormone fluctuations.
Insomnia due to a drug or substance is caused by consumption of or withdrawal from a medication, drug of abuse, alcohol, caffeine or food to which the patient is allergic.