Difference between insomnia and bad sleep

[Dancing Queen]

I've heard that women are more likely to develop insomnia, but what’s the difference between insomnia and just bad sleep? Thank you

[Dr Sarah Gilchrist]

Anyone can develop insomnia but women can be more predisposed to it, for example through the peri-menopause or menopause.

Insomnia is a clinical condition where you don't choose (consciously or unconsciously) to sleep poorly. You may have trouble falling asleep or experience persistent night wakening's that are ongoing for a significant period of time. The general advice is if you are experiencing consistent sleep issues for 3 months or more then seek medical advice.

Poor sleep or sleep deprivation is where we choose (consciously or unconsciously) to sleep poorly. For example you may shorten your sleep due to imposed conditions e.g. exam revision or shift work, or more long term, you are working long hours and therefore not achieving the recommended 7-9 hours sleep for a healthy adult which means over time, you are chronically sleep deprived. Sometimes poor sleep is enforced and can't be helped e.g. parents of a new born baby, but other times we can be guilty of falling into bad habits with our sleep and as a result becoming chronically sleep deprived.