How long must symptoms persist to be diagnosed with Insomnia Disorder?

The correct duration for diagnosing Insomnia Disorder is that symptoms must persist for at least three months. In the DSM-5-TR, chronic insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, and these difficulties must occur at least three times per week. The requirement for symptoms to be present for at least three months demonstrates a recognition of the chronic nature of insomnia and helps distinguish it from transient sleep issues that might not meet the criteria for a disorder. This persistent duration ensures that the diagnosis reflects more serious or long-term sleep problems, which may require a different approach to treatment than short-term or situational insomnia.