Insomnia knows no boundaries for those trying – and failing – to get enough sleep. Those encountering it can be any age, race, gender or income level. It can affect some groups differently – a 2020 study from the National Sleep Foundation said racial discrimination can be a factor in severe insomnia but noted there is little research on the topic.
Common symptoms include trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, waking too early and trouble focusing during the day.
Chronic insomnia can lead to increased risk and severity of long-term diseases or conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. It also can arise at different times of someone’s life, such as when enduring a heavy course load at college, menopause or caregiving.
About 1 in 3 adults globally experience brief insomnia symptoms and about 10% of adults suffer from chronic insomnia, according to Healthline.com. Experts often advise the need to seek help, but time, money or lack of access can hamper that attempt.
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Emily Mai expects to graduate in May 2024 with a master’s degree in mass communication. Mai graduated from Arizona State University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. Mai is part of the marketing and public relations team for ASU Gammage.