The 11 Kinds of Insomnia

Idiopathic insomnia
Idiopathic insomnia is a lifelong sleep disorder that starts during infancy or childhood and continues into adulthood. This insomnia cannot be explained by other causes. It is not a result of any of the following.
• Other sleep disorders
• Medical problems
• Psychiatric disorders
• Stressful events
• Medication use
• Other behaviors

It may result from an imbalance in your body, such as an overactive awakening system and/or an underactive sleep system, but the true cause of this disorder is still unclear.

Insomnia due to drug or substance
This type of insomnia is directly related to the use of any of the following substances.
• Medication
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• A food item

Your sleep is disrupted by your use of the substance. This type of sleep problem may also occur when you stop using a substance.

Insomnia due to medical condition
This type of insomnia is caused by another medical condition. It results in one or more of these problems.
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking often during the night
• An inability to return to sleep
• Worry about poor quality of sleep

This insomnia is a disorder only when it causes you distress or requires separate treatment.

Insomnia due to mental disorder
This insomnia is caused by a mental health disorder. The insomnia is a symptom of the disorder. The course and severity of insomnia are directly linked to that of the mental health disorder, but the insomnia is a separate focus of treatment. This insomnia is a disorder only if it is severe enough to require separate treatment.

Insomnia nonorganic, unspecified
This type of insomnia suggests that known substances and other physical causes of the insomnia have been ruled out. This means that the cause of insomnia is most likely due to an underlying mental health disorder, psychological factor, or sleep disruptive behaviors.

This name may also be used on a temporary basis while further evaluation and testing is completed. This is the name used when a person with insomnia does not meet the criteria for another type of insomnia.

Insomnia organic, unspecified
This type of insomnia is caused by a medical disorder, physical condition, or substance exposure. But the specific cause remains unclear. Further testing is required to discover the exact cause. This name may be used on a temporary basis while further evaluation and testing is completed.