Cause of Insomnia
What Causes Inability To Sleep

Is There A Cause Of Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to obtain an adequate amount or quality of sleep. Occasional insomnia is experienced by more than a third of American adults, and chronic insomnia is known to effect more than one in ten.  Insomnia is found in males and females of all age groups, although it seems to be more common in females, especially after menopause, and in the elderly. In most cases, more than one cause for insomnia is likely. If insomnia is caused by medical or psychological conditions, treatment will focus on those underlying conditions.

As we grow older, we tend to have shorter sleep cycles and may wake up more frequently, but insomnia cannot be considered a normal part of aging. Short term insomnia is characterised by poor sleep spanning two/three weeks. Secondary insomnia is caused by other contributing factors. . Conventional wisdom holds that insomnia is a symptom, not a disorder.

Here are twelve of the most common causes of insomnia:

• Pain is one of the most frequent causes of insomnia. Insomnia is prevalent in people suffering from chronic pain, such as the discomfort associated with arthritis.
• Noise is another cause of insomnia.
• Medicines -taking certain medications can cause insomnia, whether prescription or over the counter.
• A tense working environment or marital stress may cause insomnia.
• Chronic alcohol intake is a major cause of poor sleep patterns. Other substances such as  nicotine and caffeine can also cause sleep disruptions. 
• Many different medical disorders can also cause insomnia.
• Changes in hormonal levels such as those that occur in menopause can cause hot flashes which lead to insomnia
• It is well known that insomnia is one of the first symptoms of depression.
•  Jet lag can cause temporary insomnia.
• A poorly ventilated room is often the cause of insomnia and disturbed sleep. Also, a room that is too hot or too cold can contribute to not getting a good night's sleep.
• An overactive mind can cause sleep problems.
• Worrying over money is probably one of the single biggest causes of insomnia.
  
  

  

   

No matter the cause of insomnia, sleep deprivation is not healthy. The key to successful treatment of insomnia is to find the cause, and deal with it effectively.

Most sleep problems can be solved without taking sleeping pills. Sleeping pills can have potential side effects, and most people can develop a tolerance to them  making them no longer effective. Another drawback to sleeping pills is that people have a tendency to become dependent on them in order to sleep.

If after 20 or 30 minutes you have not been able to go to sleep, try getting up and going to another room where you can watch TV or do something else like reading until you feel drowsy.

If your insomnia persists, consult your doctor. For very difficult cases of insomnia, your doctor might refer you for evaluation at a sleep laboratory.

For more information about insomina and its causes and treatment, see:

 Insomnia Treatment Naturally - Herbal Remedy