The Causes of Insomnia

Because sleep is so crucial to our health and well-being, sleep disorders such as insomnia will require some type of treatment. This treatment may be basic as practicing good sleep hygiene, or it may require treatment that is more involved, such as cognitive behavioral
therapy or psychotherapy. The reason for the wide range of treatments is that there is no one, single underlying cause of insomnia. Causes of insomnia are wide and varied, ranging from ingesting too much caffeine before bedtime, to serious medical problems
that disrupt your sleep patterns.

One common cause of insomnia is poor sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene is a term referring to the activities necessary for normal, quality nighttime sleep and full daytime alertness. Poor sleep hygiene may consist of napping during the day, eating foods or drinking
liquids containing caffeine and/or alcohol close to bedtime, exercising right before bedtime, eating a large meal before bedtime, engaging in stimulating activities right before bedtime, and using your bed for other activities besides sleep or sex, such as
watching television, paying bills, or listening to the radio.

Psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression are another common cause of insomnia, particularly short term or acute insomnia. These problems may stem from a temporary situation such as a change or loss in a job or relationship. If you are
suffering from anxiety or depression it is important for you to receive treatment for this condition, as insomnia is a risk factor for depression and anxiety and vice versa, which can lead to a vicious cycle.

A third cause of insomnia is a disruption in your natural sleep cycle, or your circadian biological clock. This type of disruption can occur if you have jet lag, or if you work night shift, multiple shifts, or rotating shifts. Jet lag occurs when your biological clock is out of sync with local time, and this generally happens when you travel to a new time zone. The larger the number of time zones you cross, the more severe your jet lag symptoms are likely to be. In addition to insomnia, other symptoms of jet lag include being sleepy during the day, disruptions in your mood, difficulty concentrating, and a loss of appetite.

Another cause of insomnia is adverse sleeping conditions. Your bedroom may be too light, too noisy, or too warm and stuffy. You may share a bed with a partner who snores or is a restless sleeper.

You may be suffering from a medical condition that serves as a cause of insomnia. For example, you may be suffering from chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, a physical disability, or cancer. Hormonal fluctuations and hot flashes associated with menopause and neurological conditions such as Parkinson's Disease or Alzheimer's Disease can also serve as a cause of insomnia. Some patients are not aware they have these conditions, and the presence of insomnia can aid in a diagnosis. Other conditions associated with insomnia include restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, and obesity.

Regardless of the cause of insomnia, those afflicted do not have to suffer. Fortunately, there are many resources, researchers, foundations, and physicians dedicated to the science of sleep and can help you get the good night's rest you need and deserve.

Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice. For medical advice, please consult your doctor.