In the resulting situation, increasing preoccupation with the problem of sleep as well as deliberate efforts for solving it seems to move the person further away from the solution (8). In its turn, the latter intensifies sleep-related worries and anxiety. Chronic insomniacs describe their condition as a vicious circle, which means that the increased effort they put in sleeping more and preventing daytime fatigue will often actually aggravate insomnia. People suffering from insomnia also tend to be extremely concerned about the quality of their sleep and the daytime consequences of insufficient sleep. The duration of sleep and the time it takes people suffering from insomnia to fall asleep are often within the normal range, but they significantly underestimate the number of sleep hours and overestimate the time it takes them to fall sleep (7).
The main symptom of insomnia is sleep-related stress and dissatisfaction experienced regardless of the actual amount or quality of sleep. This article aims to provide an overview of the psychological mechanisms of the onset and development of insomnia as well as to introduce psychological interventions in the treatment of insomnia. In case people suffering from insomnia do not have sufficient information about treatment options, they tend to resort to alcohol consumption to suppress the symptoms, for instance (6). This is a disorder which significantly impairs the quality of life and functioning in general, which increases the risk of developing mental health disorders, among other things (5). Insomnia should not go unnoticed, and it requires evidence-based intervention. Insomnia often accompanies anxiety and mood disorders (4). Insomnia can occur on its own or in combination with other health conditions.
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