Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get restful sleep, even when you have the chance to do so. People with insomnia often feel tired during the day, have low energy, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances, and decreased performance at work or school. It can be short-term (acute), lasting for a few days or weeks, often triggered by stress or life changes.
Long-term (chronic) insomnia lasts for a month or longer and may be linked to underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or poor sleep habits.Several factors can contribute to insomnia, including irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time before bed, caffeine or alcohol use, and underlying medical or mental health conditions. Treatment depends on the cause and severity.
In Islamic medicine, insomnia - known as sahar or suhar in Arabic - is recognized as a disturbance in the natural rhythm of sleep, which is considered essential for both physical and spiritual well-being. Islamic scholars and physicians, particularly during the Golden Age of Islam, discussed the causes, effects, and treatments of insomnia in detail. They approached it holistically, combining physical, psychological, and spiritual perspectives.