Chronic Insomnia
Updated June 2026
Last updated: June 2026 - Reviewed by the Apexzen editorial team
Part of: Sleep Disorders Atlas > Insomnia
What is it? Insomnia is a common sleep disorder marked by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting non-restorative sleep, despite having the opportunity to rest. It is considered chronic when it occurs at least three nights a week for three months or longer.
The symptoms that wear you down
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Waking too early and not being able to fall back asleep
- Feeling tired or not well-rested on waking
- Daytime fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating
What actually helps
The first-line treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Alongside it, the basics still do most of the work: keep a regular sleep schedule, build a calming pre-bed routine, avoid stimulants like caffeine before bed, and keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
Supplements sit underneath those habits, not on top of them. Magnesium glycinate is a gentle, well-tolerated option many people use to support relaxation and sleep onset as part of a consistent routine.
When to see a doctor
If your sleep problems persist and keep affecting your daily life, see a sleep specialist. Chronic insomnia is treatable, and a clinician can rule out underlying causes (such as sleep apnea, thyroid issues, or medication side effects) and guide you toward CBT-I.
Not sure where your sleep goes wrong?
Our 2-minute Chronotype Quiz maps your sleep profile and points you to the routine that fits it.
Take the Chronotype QuizFrequently asked questions
How long until insomnia is considered chronic?
When sleep difficulty happens at least three nights a week for three months or longer. Shorter episodes are usually called acute or short-term insomnia.
Is magnesium a treatment for insomnia?
No. Magnesium can support relaxation and sleep onset as part of good sleep habits, but it is not a treatment for chronic insomnia. The evidence-based first-line treatment is CBT-I.
What is CBT-I?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia - a structured, non-drug program that retrains your sleep patterns and the thoughts that keep you awake. It is the recommended starting point for chronic insomnia.
Related reading: Restless Legs Syndrome, Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, and Magnesium Glycinate for Sleep.
Sources: Edinger JD, et al. Behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Apexzen products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for persistent sleep problems.