Causes of Insomnia
To understand the causes of insomnia we first have to clarify what insomnia actually is. We are talking about a common sleep disorder which has various reasons. If you have trouble falling asleep, wake up several times each night or feel tired the entire day because of low sleep quality it is likely that you suffer from one or another form of insomnia.
Is this a reason to worry? It depends very much on how long you’ve been under it’s spell. One sleepless night here and there is normal and something everyone experiences every now and then. But also stressful situations like a break up or problems at work can lead to an entire week with almost no sleep. Again, this happens but shouldn’t really concern you.
Basically everyone can get it, but it seems like women, especially elderly and pregnant women, are particularly affected. In fact, around 30% of people suffer from insomnia. But with 10% of these individuals it has become a chronic disease. That means they just can’t fall asleep no matter how tired or exhausted they are and it starts to affect their overall life quality and health. If you have had difficulties finding sleep for over a month now and that being without an apparent reason (like a baby, you have to take care of), you seriously should look for a solution that suits your case.
causes of insomnia
However in all cases the inability to find sleep is always just a symptom and as mentioned above there are many causes of insomnia and thus many ways to approach successful treatment. By the way drugs are only recommended if the actual reason can’t be changed or removed permanently and other methods have failed. Constant pain due to an injury might be such a reason. Anyways in the long run there is no point in risking addiction. Stay away from it if possible.
The most common reason for sleep disorders is simply stress. Well, it’s not that simple since stress too can have several reasons. And as you may know there are two kinds of stress. Eustress is basically a positive thing and enables you to work more and efficiently. Chronic stress is when things start to become overwhelming. People with chronic stress are in a constant state of worry, sorrow and regret. It can lead to all kinds of mental disorders like low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and even panic attacks.
If that sounds like you, it’s time to look where you can make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle in order to reduce the negative stress. Look at yourself and ask: What are the areas that cause the most stress for me? The next question you should ask is: Can I alter them, at least a little? How can I compensate stress? It would be stupid to quit a job if you have no other option just because it’s stressful or to break up with your partner only because you are having a lot of fights.
But try to redefine your boarders of what you are willing to accept. Take a time-out if possible. Learn relaxation techniques such as yoga or other forms of meditation. And lastly watch your habits! Try to schedule your day to take the turmoil out of it. Reduce, no, quit smoking. Drink less coffee and alcohol. All these substances are toxins and contribute to your stressful experience of your life. And eat more healthy foods and take up exercising to strengthen your immune system.
There are more causes of insomnia that I have left out and have to deal with another time.
In: causes of insomnia · Tagged with: causes of insomnia
on January 3, 2011 at 8:48 am
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Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!