Who are the groups at risk for insomnia?

medica-seed-editor · October 9, 2026, 11:03pm

This article defines sleep disorders and identifies the groups at risk for insomnia, while clarifying the number of hours the body needs for rest.

What is Insomnia and How Do Its Symptoms Appear?

Insomnia manifests as difficulty falling asleep, an inability to stay asleep, or waking up without feeling rested and energized. This condition is considered a persistent problem if it recurs at least three times a week for a month, negatively affecting efficiency in performing daily tasks.

Symptoms of this condition vary and include:

Spending a long time in bed before falling asleep.
Waking up multiple times during the night.
Waking up very early and finding it difficult to return to sleep.
Mental distraction and poor concentration during the day.
Feeling lethargic and irritable when dealing with others.
General exhaustion upon waking.

Specialists indicate that most sufferers do not feel actual sleepiness during the day, but rather suffer from low energy and a state of stressed alertness characterized by a lack of vitality.

Groups at Risk for Insomnia and Their Causes

The likelihood of developing these disorders increases among women and the elderly. Hormonal changes and lifestyle patterns play a role, and the gender disparity may be due to men being less likely to disclose these problems.

Specific factors that increase the likelihood of being among the insomnia risk groups include:

Pregnancy periods.
Menopause.
Menstrual cycles.
Stresses associated with raising children.

Recommended Amount of Sleep by Age

The body’s need for rest varies based on the age stage. The recommended amount of sleep for adults and others can be summarized as follows:

Newborns: Need 16 hours per day.
School-aged children: Their average need is 10 hours.
Adults: Their adult sleep requirements usually range between 6 and 9 hours per night, although some may suffice with less.
Those over 70 years old: Their sleep is often light, and they may need fewer than 6 hours per night.

The primary criterion for estimating the sleep needs per night is whether the person feels refreshed and able to work actively the following day.

FAQ

What is the definition of insomnia?

It is a disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or waking up without feeling refreshed.

When is insomnia classified as a persistent problem?

When these difficulties occur at a rate of three times or more per week and the condition persists for at least one month.

How much sleep do adults need?

Most adults require between 6 to 9 hours of sleep per night.