Insomnia Awareness Night set for June 22 to Address Chronic Sleep Issues

Chronic insomnia is characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than desired, occurring at least three times per week for a minimum of three months. It can adversely affect an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health, impacting daily functioning and interpersonal relationships.

Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, president of the AASM, emphasized the seriousness of chronic insomnia, stating, “It’s a persistent health condition that can affect mood, memory, productivity, and overall well-being if left untreated.” She also highlighted that treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can significantly improve sleep quality.

CBT-I is recommended as the primary treatment for chronic insomnia due to its comprehensive approach, combining cognitive therapy, sleep education, and behavioral strategies. Sarah Honaker, president of the SBSM, noted that CBT-I addresses the root causes of sleep difficulties rather than merely providing temporary relief. She urged those struggling with chronic insomnia to consult with a health professional about including CBT-I in their treatment plan.

Chronic insomnia can affect both children and adults. For children, behavioral interventions are the first line of treatment, particularly for those experiencing bedtime resistance or nighttime awakenings. Pharmacological treatments may be considered in conjunction with behavioral methods in more complex cases.

A recent AASM survey revealed that over 75% of adults report difficulties with falling or staying asleep. Individuals with ongoing sleep issues are encouraged to discuss these concerns with a medical professional, who may refer them to a behavioral sleep medicine specialist or an AASM-accredited sleep center for assistance.

On Insomnia Awareness Night, experts from the AASM and SBSM will participate in a Reddit Ask Me Anything session from 8-10 p.m. EDT to answer questions regarding sleep and insomnia. For more information about Insomnia Awareness Night and sleep health, visit SleepEducation.org.

The AASM survey, commissioned by the organization, surveyed 2,007 adults in the U.S. between June 5-13, 2025, with a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points and a 95% confidence interval.