What is a common symptom of insomnia?

Difficulty falling asleep is a hallmark symptom of insomnia. This condition is characterized by an individual's persistent struggle to initiate or maintain sleep, leading to insufficient sleep duration and quality. People suffering from insomnia may lie in bed for extended periods, often feeling anxious about their inability to fall asleep. This difficulty can result from various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, or lifestyle choices, and it contributes to a range of problems such as fatigue, mood changes, and impaired functioning during the day.

In contrast, while frequent naps during the day can occur due to various sleep disorders, they are not specific to insomnia. Persistent loud snoring is typically indicative of sleep apnea rather than insomnia, and restless leg syndrome often leads to discomfort that disrupts sleep but does not directly define insomnia itself. Thus, the defining symptom of difficulty falling asleep is a key element in identifying and diagnosing insomnia.