Which insomnia type is associated with a medical or psychiatric condition?

• A. Primary Insomnia
• B. Circadian Rhythm Disorder
• C. Secondary Insomnia
• D. Insomnia Disorder

Answer: (C)

When insomnia occurs as a result of another medical or psychiatric condition, it’s considered secondary insomnia. The sleep disturbance is driven by the underlying illness or its treatment—examples include chronic pain, depression, anxiety, thyroid problems, or effects of certain medications or substances. Because the root cause lies outside sleep itself, addressing the medical or psychiatric condition is often necessary to improve sleep, rather than focusing solely on sleep hygiene or behavioral strategies. By contrast, primary insomnia is sleep trouble not explained by another condition, circadian rhythm disorders involve misalignment of sleep timing with the day-night cycle, and Insomnia Disorder is a diagnostic label for significant insomnia that isn’t attributed to another condition. Therefore the option describing insomnia tied to another health issue is the best answer.