Insomnia is more common than you think. At least half of the population has, at some time, suffered from some form of insomnia. Identifying causes of your insomnia can help you determine if you are suffering from the short term or the long term condition. Help yourself to get the sleep you need.
Causes of transient insomnia are things that are more habitual or environmental and can be changed with self discipline. Decreasing or eliminating these external factors can reduce your occurrence of insomnia:
Caffeine found in energy drinks, coffee, and cola are known to suppress fatigue while boosting alertness, decreasing the ability to fall and stay asleep.
Although alcohol may help you fall asleep, it can be a contributor to insomnia. It interrupts your sleep cycle causing you to wake prematurely and preventing you from a full night’s sleep.
Nicotine stimulates your system. It is easier for non-smokers to fall asleep and stay asleep than it is for smokers. The nicotine keeps them awake.
Distractions make it hard to get to sleep. Loud noises, bright lights, and other sounds interrupt our sleep. For sleeping, keep the environment as quiet and dark as possible. Turn off lights, close doors, and wear a mask if you need it to get some rest.
Are you stressed? It could be the reason you can’t get any sleep. Resolve stressful issues in your life and regain a deep, rejuvenating sleep at night.
Traveling interrupts your sleep patterns. Driving during the day or flying the “red eye” flight keeps us awake when we are usually sleeping. While on vacation concentrate on keeping sleep routines as close as possible to the way you sleep at home.
Long term insomnia is also referred to as chronic insomnia. Here are some of the causes:
Fragmented breathing caused by sleep apnea causes frequent waking. Sleep apnea is dangerous and it is very important to see a doctor if sleep apnea is a problem.
Some causes are beyond our control. Conditions such as Restless Leg Syndrome cause the muscles in the legs to move all night as if they were being stimulated. Without treatment, insomnia results.
Issues that cause emotional distress contribute to long term insomnia. Disorders like depression and anxiety fall in this category. You may require medical professionals to deal with these conditions.
Some reach for the sleeping pills to control their insomnia. Before going this route, try to resolve the issue naturally.