A person with insomnia has difficulty falling or staying asleep, and the issue can significantly impact daily life. Learn why it happens and how to treat it. Insomnia is an inability to get enough sleep. Symptoms can include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or waking earlier than desired . People with insomnia often report chronically poor quality sleep that may be light and unrefreshing. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that keeps people up at night. Learn more about the symptoms and causes of insomnia as well as treatment options. Insomnia is defined as difficulty either falling or staying asleep that is accompanied by daytime impairments. Nighttime insomnia symptoms can include trouble sleeping and early waking. Daytime insomnia symptoms may include fatigue, impaired memory, and irritability .