This is one kind of disorder that is most common. It can be split into two different categories. This may depend on how long it may last. Insomnia that lasts for about a few days is called transient insomnia. Insomnia that lasts for a few weeks is called short term and that which goes on for more than three weeks is called chronic. One other way of classifying insomnia is by the source. The two classifications are primary and secondary.

At some point of time in your life you may experience transient insomnia. This may be due to too much of worrying or even an illness in the family. This may also be caused due to a change in the sleep cycle say jet lag or change of work timings. Once there is no stress any longer this disorder goes off. Similar stressors as in the case of transient insomnia cause short term insomnia also. If the affected person can not get off from this cycle of less sleep then it turns into a chronic insomnia.

Primary insomnia has no specific cause. It sometimes just starts off at infancy. It may be due to an over active nervous system or even high rates of metabolism.

Secondary insomnia may be a direct result of a cause. This may be due to medications, illness, drugs or even illness. Addressing the main cause of this insomnia will give relief to the sufferer. If you are unable to sleep due to the pain that is caused by arthritis then the best thing to do is to treat this pain to cope with the disorder.

Insomnia is no way a single disorder. It may have many causes and is a general symptom. If it will need to qualify as a disorder of sleep then there area few specific requirements that it will need to match. First of all, the person should not be sleeping well or should have problems in staying asleep or even falling asleep. Secondly, they should have problems in sleeping even if the environment is good enough to fall asleep. Lastly, they should suffer from some sort of impairment when they are awake. Examples of such impairments are body aches, fatigue, mood changes, inability to concentrate, poor concentration, and lack of energy or even worrying about sleep.

Sleeping pills is what is used for such sleep disorders generally. These can be brought over a counter or even be prescription medicines.

There are however many more ways to treat this problem. Behavioral treatments such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, deep breathing, biofeedback, visualization, cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene and reconditioning sleep restriction. Many a times these problems may be quite successful.

Some people who do suffer from this disorder chose alternative or holistic treatment. This may involve the use of herbal supplements that are not approved by the FDA. Another way is trying acupuncture to relieve the insomnia. Use of hot baths or passive insomnia is another way.

Understanding it is the first step to get rid of this disorder.