There are different types of insomnia;
1. Transient insomnia: Transient insomnia is a disturbance in sleeping patterns which lasts for a few nights only. Triggers can be jet lag, excitement, stress, illness, or a change in sleep schedule. Those with transient insomnia soon return back to normal.
2. Short-term insomnia: Short-term insomnia is slightly more serious because it persists for about two to three weeks. Contributing factors include a job change, divorce, serious illness, financial problems, or the death of a close friend/relative.
3. Chronic insomnia: Chronic insomnia is the rarest and most serious type, with episodes lasting longer than a few weeks. To combat chronic insomnia you must first rule out the possibility that it is a symptom of some other underlying health problem. See a doctor to ensure that such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, pregnancy, menopause, or arthritis are not responsible for the sleep loss. In addition, medications prescribed for certain health conditions such as high blood pressure or asthma may adversely affect sleep. You should also identify any psychological factors standing in the way of your rest.

Relaxation therapy may be successful for people with insomnia. This therapy teaches progressive muscle relaxation, in which different muscle groups are tensed and relaxed, as well as attention-focusing techniques, such as meditation, which can help stop sleep-disturbing habits.

Exercise has a direct, beneficial effect on several factors that affect insomnia. It reduces the effects of stress, improves mood, and deepens sleep. Regular, daily exercise completed at least 4 hours before bedtime usually improves sleep performance significantly.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps a patient to recognize certain beliefs about themselves and sleep, to change those beliefs that may contribute to unhealthy patterns and to introduce positive behaviors that will help create good sleeping environment.

Stimulus-control therapy reestablishes the bed as a place for sleeping and sexual activity only, not for sleeplessness. For example, if you can't fall asleep in 15 minutes, you get out of bed and do something quiet and relaxing until you are sleepy again. Sleep-restriction therapy limits the time spent in bed to time spent sleeping.

Sleep medications may provide rapid relief of the symptoms of insomnia. However, many of these medications have side effects (such as high blood pressure, anxiety, nausea) and may have decreased effectiveness when the body becomes accustomed to the medications. Antidepressants can have a calming or sedative effect and assist sleep. Antihistamines, typically used for allergies may also be effective for sleep problems. Non-prescription medications for sleep, or sleeping pills, can help but also can have side effects, can be habit forming or cause increased sleep problems when the medications are stopped (rebound insomnia). They should not be used for more than 7 to 10 days. Other treatments for insomnia may include complementary and alternative medicines.

Some tips for insomniacs:
* Don't go to bed until you are drowsy.
* Get up at the same time each morning, even on weekends.
* Don't take naps.
* Make your sleeping environment comfortable i.e. dark, cool/warm and quiet.
* Eat a light carbohydrate snack before going to bed.
* Exercise regularly, but not generally after 6pm.
* Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol.
* Reduce or eliminate the use of caffeine, especially after 4pm.
* Try to not smoke a lot before going to bed or stop smoking completely.