Insomnia - Causes - Better Medicine

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, neurological conditions, mental health conditions, lifestyle habits, sleep disorders, stress, and some medications. Sometimes, a cause cannot be identified.

Common causes of insomnia

Common causes of insomnia include:

Alcohol use
Anxiety or worry
Certain medications
Disruption of normal sleep schedule, such as rotating shift work or travel across time zones
Drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages or using other stimulants
Environmental distractions, such as noise, lights, or temperature extremes
Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes
Stress

Other causes of insomnia

Less commonly, insomnia may be due to chronic conditions or sleep disorders. Examples include:

Dementia
Depression
Medical conditions that can cause chronic pain, such as arthritis, neuropathy and injury
Medical conditions that can interfere with breathing, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis), and congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
Sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome
Tobacco use

What are the risk factors for insomnia?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing insomnia. Not all people with risk factors will get insomnia. Risk factors for insomnia include:

Advanced age
Depression or other psychological disorders
Female gender
Irregular schedule or work hours
Stress

Reducing your risk of insomnia

You may be able to lower your risk of insomnia by:

Avoiding alcohol before bed
Avoiding caffeine, tobacco, and other stimulants for at least eight hours before bedtime
Avoiding daytime napping
Avoiding large meals before bed
Exercising early in the day
Limiting potential distractions than might keep you awake
Observing a regular sleep schedule
Preparing your bedroom to enhance sleep
Relaxing before going to bed
Using your bed only for sleep or sex

INTRODUCTION

What is insomnia?

If you have insomnia, you have trouble falling asleep or remaining asleep. You may not feel refreshed when you wake up. Insomnia may be temporary or acute, or it may be chronic (symptoms occur three or more times a week for more than a month). Insomnia may be due to emotional, neurological, medical or sleep disorders or due to certain medications, stimulants, or drug or alcohol use.... Read more about insomnia introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

If you have insomnia you may not feel refreshed when you wake up or you may feel drowsy while you are awake. Drowsiness may contribute to accidents, lack of focus, inattention, and poor performance. Anxiety or depression may occur, or worsen if already present.... Read more about insomnia symptoms

TREATMENTS

How is insomnia treated?

Treatment of insomnia begins with seeking regular medical care throughout your life. Regular medical care allows a health care professional to provide early screening tests. Regular medical care also provides an opportunity for your health care professional to promptly evaluate symptoms and your risks for developing insomnia.... Read more about insomnia treatments