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Signs of Insomnia

Signs of Insomnia – ClaraWell Learning Resource

Signs of Insomnia

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Signs of Insomnia

Insomnia doesn’t always look the same from person to person. Sometimes it’s obvious—other times it’s just a subtle shift in how you feel or function. These cards outline some of the most common signs to help you reflect on what your sleep may be telling you.

Take the insomnia screener if you’d like to get a clearer sense of what’s going on.

💤 Trouble Falling Asleep

You lie down, but your mind stays busy. You watch the hours pass. Sleep feels far away even when you’re exhausted.

🌒 Frequent Night Waking

You fall asleep—but wake up at 2, 3, or 4AM. Sometimes you fall back asleep, sometimes you can’t. If this is a pattern, you might find our guide on early morning waking helpful.

🌤 Early Morning Waking

You wake up earlier than you want to, even if you went to bed late. It’s hard to feel rested.

🌀 Rest Doesn’t Feel Restful

You spend enough time in bed, but you wake up groggy or unrefreshed, like sleep didn’t “work.”

🧠 Racing Thoughts at Night

Your body is ready to rest, but your brain spins through to-do lists, worries, or what-ifs.

📉 Daytime Fatigue

You’re dragging through the day, mentally foggy or physically drained—even after a “full” night in bed.

😔 Mood Changes

You feel more irritable, anxious, or low lately—and sleep (or lack of it) might be part of the picture.

🧩 Trouble Concentrating

Work, school, or simple tasks feel harder to focus on. Sleep quality may be affecting your brain clarity.

🔄 Inconsistent Sleep Patterns

Some nights you sleep fine. Others are restless. The lack of consistency makes it harder to plan or cope.

📱 Relying on Screens to Fall Asleep

You feel dependent on your phone, TV, or other distractions to quiet your mind and drift off.

😟 Fear of Going to Sleep

You dread bedtime. Not because you're not tired—but because you're afraid you won’t be able to fall asleep, or that the night will feel long and restless.

🫁 Could It Be Sleep Apnea?

If you're waking up tired, groggy, or with a dry mouth—even after a full night in bed—it might not just be insomnia. Sleep apnea can interrupt your rest without you even realizing it. If you’ve noticed snoring, morning headaches, or unrefreshing sleep, it’s worth checking in.

ClaraWell™ offers a quick sleep apnea screener that can help you understand if it may be part of your sleep picture.

Insomnia can start subtly. Maybe it's a 3AM wake-up, trouble falling asleep, or waking up tired despite a full night in bed. These are all signs your sleep rhythm might be off. Even habits like screen use before bed or feeling anxious at night can point to deeper sleep struggles. ClaraWell™ helps you recognize these signs with clarity and care.

Noticing one or more of these signs? ClaraWell’s free screener can help you reflect on your sleep patterns and understand if they might point to insomnia.

Take the Insomnia Risk Screener
ClaraWell™ helps you notice what your nights—and your days—are trying to tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common signs of insomnia?
The most common signs include trouble falling asleep, waking up often during the night, waking too early, and feeling tired during the day even after a full night in bed. These signs often relate to specific types of insomnia, and emotional changes like anxiety or trouble focusing may also appear.
How do I know if my sleep issues are actually insomnia?
If you’re having difficulty sleeping at least three nights a week—and it’s affecting your energy, mood, or focus during the day—it could be insomnia. ClaraWell™ offers a free insomnia screener to help you reflect on your sleep patterns.
Can insomnia look different from person to person?
Yes. Some people can’t fall asleep. Others wake frequently or too early. Some don’t even realize they’re not sleeping well until they notice the daytime effects—like fatigue, mood swings, or lack of focus.
What if my sleep is inconsistent—some nights are fine, others are awful?
That’s actually very common. Inconsistent sleep can still point to insomnia, especially if the bad nights are affecting your well-being. Tracking patterns over time can help make sense of what’s happening.
Should I be worried if I dread going to sleep?
A fear of bedtime can be a sign of sleep anxiety—a common side effect of long-term insomnia. It’s a valid experience, and you’re not alone. The key is understanding what’s driving it and getting support if the fear becomes regular or distressing.
Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on May 10, 2025
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