nsomnia is when a person has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. People with insomnia are tired during the day and may have difficulty with daytime activities as well as increased risk of accidents. Insomnia can be more prevalent in people with mood conditions such as anxiety and depression, in older people, and in people with other medical conditions such as asthma and COPD. Some medications as well as drinking caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime can also cause symptoms of insomnia. Adopting good sleep hygiene practices such as the tips at the top of the page is recommended to help break the cycle of insomnia and get back to a normal sleeping pattern.