Is difficulty falling asleep treated differently from difficulty staying asleep?

Difficulty falling asleep and difficulty staying asleep are two different types of insomnia. According to the research by Pillai et al., these are stable insomnia phenotypes, meaning they have different characteristics and may require different treatment approaches.

Types of Insomnia:

1. Difficulty Falling Asleep: This is often called sleep-onset insomnia. It involves trouble getting to sleep at the start of the night.
2. Difficulty Staying Asleep: Known as sleep-maintenance insomnia, this involves waking up during the night and having trouble getting back to sleep.

Treatment Approaches:

• For Difficulty Falling Asleep: Treatments may focus on helping the person relax and prepare for sleep. This can include relaxation techniques or cognitive behavioral therapy.
• For Difficulty Staying Asleep: Treatments might focus on maintaining sleep throughout the night. This could involve strategies to improve sleep quality or address any underlying issues, such as anxiety.

Each type of insomnia may require a different approach based on the specific sleep challenge. If you are experiencing sleep problems, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider for guidance. For mental health support, visit 988lifeline.org.