As we mentioned, transient and short-term insomnia can be caused by significant life events that usually pass when the stress of the incident passes.  Other common causes are poor environmental conditions (too light, too cold/hot, too noisy) and jet lag (see blog of July 13, 2006 for more on jet lag).

The more difficult one, obviously for the patient, but even for the doctor to treat is chronic insomnia (CI).  CI may be caused by the use of drugs, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and even...