---
title: "Insomnia: Fact Sheet From the Office on Women's Health"
date: 2018-01-08T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/insomnia-fact-sheet-from-the-office-on-womens-health"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Insomnia: Fact Sheet From the Office on Women's Health

More than one in four women experience insomnia. This two-page fact sheet on women and insomnia includes common causes of insomnia, how it’s treated, and where to find more information.

> Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. It is defined as an inability to go to sleep, waking up too early, or feeling unrested after sleep for at least three nights a week for at least three months. Chronic (long-term) insomnia makes it difficult to accomplish routine tasks like going to work or school and taking care of yourself.

[View the fact sheet ](https://womenshealth.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fact-sheet-insomnia.pdf)

SOURCE: Office on Women's Health • LAST UPDATED: November 20, 2017

![Insomnia Fact Sheet From the Office of on Womens Health scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [ understanding and destigmatizing mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-mental-health)
- [introductions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/introductions)
- [sleep disorders](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sleep-disorders)

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An introduction to asexuality, the spectrum of asexual identities, and attitudes about sexual behavior.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/understanding-asexuality)

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Jill Damatac reflects on how immigration shaped her mental health and that of her Filipinx family.

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Jill Damatac reflects on how immigration shaped her mental health and that of her Filipinx family.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/being-undocumented-mental-health)

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A basic introduction to the anatomy of the penis and testes, written using simple gender-neutral language.

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A basic introduction to the anatomy of the penis and testes, written using simple gender-neutral language.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/innies-and-outies-the-penis-testes-and-more)

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Why teens experience insomnia and how to treat it.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/insomnia-in-teens)

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A podcast series about genetics, chromosomes, gender, genitalia, and “the parts of us that let us make more of us.”](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/radiolab-podcast-presents-gonads)

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## Sex Work: The Basics

A basic primer on what sex work is, who sex workers are, why sex workers engage in sex work, how sex work differs from trafficking, and more.

![A chart consisting of four circles in yellow, green, and blue with the following words: "sex work stigma," "victim blaming," "violence," and "dehumanization". There are arrows between each circle.](data:image/png;base64,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)

A basic primer on what sex work is, who sex workers are, why sex workers engage in sex work, how sex work differs from trafficking, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/sex-work-the-basics)

[ResourcesRead

## What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?

Dr. Dara Lee Lewis highlights the causes and symptoms of POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), which more often affects women than men.

![ketut-subiyanto-4909456](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFQ0lEQVRIiVVWS5IluQ0DSGVWTdf9L+AI38T38WImul+KJOBF5utqM7RQ6EMIFEWB//n3vwgHnXByFifRiQoUvaGtuXp2d13VV+vVfE3+0nn58+KPzq9ZXzy+4vxaHz+Ojx/n+XkcH+s4V66ICMAAbPjp+B55hmwDMGy87VnyHn/v/D3pp3P7WfdIwIYFByyYMAzasC3/aTJs3U2854Q/FrxBDBv2GpkwYFKkRNMmRMsWZFl/2EiUOJJ8dyUJEiVLti3ZsuywrTUzBEyDAkQOKUKwaFnyaKTR3KbhDKQZj2IGoxA11LxPMJassWhgzQyAoP0GAMaYxMCD23PP9Mx0t7rR455odKsnW9GcwUxMrxlrPO2IB6C6SQRsypQxZhsjNz1Q6/b82HSjWyU2stjtNjuikJ3TM60Z5WhaJO1V3QSCFmQKHKONDjTVUGuqp6qquqqm2tVZwkYW9+g0itHImuxZPV2KFGlSjrWrboDkfVmzOEKlmy5Pa3qmq2r3rupd2BN7XIiK1drGztjMM7KyS7k0JVIAItauApB04p0gmEQliiqoNNW9q/euvat2eXdu+ULsWJMnsBWF3JHnqprIiUhyYESsa28QCSc9lDBiJzpddGG2Znfv6mvXde262lfHJV2OHWvWSZwZF/LM3J1rMidigLAYuV5735e8bgDOYBY6XOHylGbPc/xr175qro5rdIE71+gkzhUn41p5dK6OXMEhAkbMN4N5ADToeRjsbwb1uvavq66r+up8jV7gzkM6iFNxRp5rXStXZ07wZoD8fwbHAzDzHaLS7O6r9nXVr2v/vKpelS/NC7HzkM7A5fyItdc6jjwms4NJBAR9A2BRQw/neAOEt2d7dte163XVz2v/fe1/rlqX5oXcedqfERu5c121jl6rKzqYAB8GVcQToqe2cHQzuLOoq3tXXXv/vPZ/r41X1Wv84sfOv4wrY3PtVVVr1zoqc0X8yaBIJHzQuh/zGyC+Aarquurva+Pa2I1rXhd+7bXNWmtH7XXss8/u3Z19A1jOWFdXAEmINmX8BuhwQ/0G2FVXNaqxC1u4sDfK2eqO7qO7urrrGwCycu0eAknrLqgUMEIvTOipRT1TM1soYd9tUNSWPGNNanq6p2uqe3XsDBB2zqoZAqJBkyYHECh7wgNJ8shltFBC36UKKKw2bVBuqTWt7ume6olsErZjlRywCdLBp0bBshU27h/BHK/B5/A1hALCh/A5XCYDGLutlkbTmpqOIGk71jyfqANuOOCBCRMQQFCIQQ6P4ZciHKM8zC/j03k4UvcPZYz1pjIpcizHEgCAgAwRAsYIYoAAQJohpuJ0wj5tgwv6ID4Zp/NApEkRc1ORbgAQshfA+1MW8dwyKZIgEEQo0l42nAELIJnhI/CRcSIXM8246/PAbbUVEgjRCwzQNwuTIEGaNMIkHEAaB0AgAZCMyPCROJMn8ogH400CbissCBleDBJ8fBKmb++g7LylCwggSJOIiFCmVuK4AZiLkYi4dcP9p7cFQ+JiBO9QPwQMGrQZvBUTEyIhEkGGIpTptXAIB2P5BmA44hYNDd+aKoAVNwDuR2Ayng7u0CUNkmDeTIOZkemVWIkDsRwZGYzwI3jeCYIbgHHLFlJkgMCjkYIwH6HIt3dGZCjjAUhwKfIJEeO7GLwl5R0iE+BzGyZJBiDwlgN4XxDJoCK40iuQiWUGvht/k7iz38AiSYC40+cxkGTckvI9CQbpCGQ46AhnMALhCMSzy2/6eovhRRB8P7Y3zu8Rggb5rCbBhxbeB0HwndyPEzznutv/AMGXvDTdxhVvAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

Dr. Dara Lee Lewis highlights the causes and symptoms of POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), which more often affects women than men.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-is-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots)

[ResourcesRead

## What to Expect from Your First Period (Menarche)

An overview of what to expect during someone’s first period, with answers to frequently asked questions.

![What to Expect from Your First Period (Menarche)](data:image/png;base64,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)

An overview of what to expect during someone’s first period, with answers to frequently asked questions.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-to-expect-from-your-first-period-menarche)