Type 2: Acute (Short-term) Insomnia – The Relentless Sleepless Stretch
Acute insomnia, also known as short-term insomnia, lasts longer than its transient counterpart but doesn’t stick around as long as chronic insomnia. Its presence is typically felt for several weeks, making nights a challenge and days a drowsy blur.
Often, the root causes of acute insomnia are more severe than transient triggers. While the latter might be due to a temporary disturbance, acute insomnia might stem from a traumatic incident. Experiencing or even witnessing a distressing event can lead to nights filled with nightmares or fear-induced sleeplessness.
Another potent trigger is physical discomfort. This isn’t about minor aches but significant pain, maybe from an injury or an underlying health condition. For someone with acute back pain or recovering from a surgical procedure, the very act of lying down can be excruciating. Naturally, such physical pain becomes an enormous barrier to restful sleep.
Besides traumatic experiences and pain, persistent stress is a substantial contributor. Consider scenarios like continuous work-related stress or ongoing personal conflicts. These situations create a consistent level of anxiety that makes relaxation – a precursor to sleep – nearly impossible.(2)
