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If you have been diagnosed with insomnia, follow your treatment plan and make healthy lifestyle and sleep changes. The following steps can help prevent your insomnia from returning or getting worse.

Lifestyle changes can often help improve short-term insomnia. A type of counseling called cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is usually the first treatment recommended for chronic insomnia. Several medicines can also help manage insomnia and help you have a regular sleep schedule. You may need to visit a doctor who specializes in treating sleep problems.

If lack of sleep is affecting your daily activities, talk to your doctor. You may be diagnosed with insomnia if you have difficulty falling or staying asleep for at least 3 nights a week. Short-term insomnia lasts less than 3 months. Chronic insomnia lasts for 3 months or more. Your doctor may do some tests to see whether you have other medical conditions that can affect your sleep, or whether your insomnia has caused any complications.

The main symptom of insomnia is trouble falling or staying asleep, even if you have enough time and the right conditions for good sleep. Over time, untreated insomnia may raise your risk of certain health problems or workplace or road accidents.

To screen for insomnia, your doctor will ask how you are sleeping and ask about your risk factors. Your doctor may talk to you about steps you can take to help you sleep better and prevent chronic insomnia.

You may have a higher risk of insomnia because of your age, family history and genetics, environment or occupation (work), lifestyle, stress or worrying about sleep, or your sex.

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. It is more common in women, especially older women, than in men.

Sleep boosts your mind, body, and mood. Learn tips for getting enough good sleep from the Office on Women’s Health.

Learn how abuse and trauma can affect your mental health from the Office on Women’s Health.

Depression is a true and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging. However older adults are at an increased risk for experiencing depression. If you are concerned about a loved one, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated.