While insomnia affects over 65 million Americans, one recent poll reported that approximately 35% of Americans over 18 wake up in the middle of the night at least three times per week. This type of insomnia: Middle-of-the-night insomnia, also known as nocturnal awakenings, is many times caused by physical pain, stress, anxiety, noise, and recurring dreams. One study reports that undiagnosed GERD is the cause.
Over 40% of Americans suffering from middle-of-the-night insomnia report difficulty in getting back to sleep. Even worse, 90% of people say it is a chronic condition.
Sleep medication like Lunesta, Sonata, or Ambien can stop insomnia, but usually requires 6-8 hours of sleep. So, waking at 3 am usually does not provide enough time to take one of the prescription sleep medications.
Chronic nocturnal awakenings might be reason enough to invest in a professional sleep diagnosis from a certified sleep medicine practitioner. Sleep Centers have become more prominent over the last 10 years, and now require specific credentials as do physicians claiming to specialize in sleep disorders.

Another option is FitBit, a new sleep measurement device, coming to market this month:  The FitBit, which you wear while sleeping, logs data on your computer, so your medical professional can determine the best protocol — prescription sleep aids, natural remedies, or a sleep center.

Middle-of-the-night insomnia is many times caused by noise.  If you think that noise might be the issue, then consider buying disposable ear plugs to reduce decibel levels from planes, trains, automobiles, kids, birds, etc…