Insomnia affects many people and can significantly impair quality of life. Chronic sleep problems should be evaluated by a doctor.
Medically reviewed by Adi Zoabi, Approbation als Arzt.
Last reviewed on August 31, 2026. Updated as clinical guidelines change.
Insomnia refers to persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep despite having enough opportunity to sleep. Many people go through temporary phases of poor sleep that resolve on their own. When the problems last for weeks and noticeably affect everyday life, this is known as chronic insomnia, which can usually be treated well with appropriate support.
Common triggers include stress as well as work or personal pressures and worries that fuel racing thoughts at night. Unhelpful sleep habits, irregular sleep times, caffeine, alcohol, or screen use in the evening can also disturb sleep. Physical illnesses, pain, and hormonal changes are risk factors, as are mental strains such as anxiety or low mood. Some medications can additionally affect sleep.
A medical evaluation is advisable if sleep problems last longer than a few weeks, clearly affect everyday life, or come with pronounced daytime sleepiness. Warning signs include loud snoring with breathing pauses, ongoing exhaustion despite sleeping, and a persistently low mood. In acute crises with suicidal thoughts, please call the emergency number 112 immediately or the crisis helpline (in Germany: Telefonseelsorge 0800 111 0 111).
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Medical notice: Not a substitute for an in-person medical examination. The information on this page is intended for general guidance only. In an emergency, please call 112.
After a consultation, our doctors can prescribe suitable sleep medication, but they prefer to start with non-drug approaches first.
Insomnia is diagnosed when sleep problems occur at least three times a week over a period of one month.
