Insomnia is a condition characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Symptoms of insomnia include sleeping for short periods of time, feeling tired upon waking up, awaking early and difficulty falling asleep. The condition can be chronic (exhibiting symptoms three nights per week for more than a month) or acute (short-term symptoms). Commonly, insomnia is the symptom of a larger health issue (secondary insomnia); however, it can be its own condition (primary insomnia).