When you have insomnia, you cannot sleep. This is a condition in which can be caused by different factors. Let’s find out what these factors are so that you can become aware of the things that you need to stay away from.

Medical causes

Insomnia can be caused by different medical causes. There are many such medical conditions which can ultimately lead to insomnia. In some cases, the medical condition itself can cause insomnia and in some other cases they may create a condition where sleeping becomes more difficult for the person. The following are some of the medical conditions which can result in insomnia-

• Nasal/sinus allergies
• Gastrointestinal problems such as reflux
• Endocrine problems such as hyperthyroidism
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease
• Chronic pain
• Low back pain

There are some medicines which can cause insomnia. Among such medicines, medicines taken for common cold and nasal allergies, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, heart disease, asthma, birth control and depression are the major reasons of insomnia in many people.

Insomnia can also be caused by some underlying sleep disorders. If you are suffering from restless legs syndrome, which is a neurological condition, you may suffer from insomnia. Sleep apnea is another sleep disorder which can cause insomnia. When this medical condition happens, the airway becomes completely or partially obstructed during sleep and so it makes breathing difficult. When that happens you will wake up briefly but repeatedly throughout the night and that will result in insomnia.

Depression can also cause insomnia. If you are struggling inside you because of depression, it may become very difficult to sleep. Because of depression changes in mood and hormones and physiology may happen and all of them can result in insomnia and psychiatric issues as well.

Anxiety can also cause insomnia. Children and adults both feel worry and nervousness. If it is happening regularly, it can interfere with sleep. Some of the anxiety symptoms which may result in insomnia are

• Tension
• Getting caught up in thoughts about past events
• Excessive worrying about future events
• Feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities
• A general feeling of being revved up or overstimulated

Your lifestyle

Your lifestyle can also cause insomnia. Depending on your behavior and sleep patterns, your lifestyle can result in insomnia. If you work at home in the evenings and new cannot stop working till you’re sleeping time, it may cause insomnia for you. The life from your computer can also make your brain more alert and that may make it difficult for you to fall asleep. If you take longer than necessary naps in the afternoon, it can make falling asleep difficult for you at night. If you get up late and because of that your body’s clock is confused, it can result in insomnia. If you are shift worker and you work during the night shifts or your shift timing keeps changing, it can result in insomnia for you.

Food

Food can be another cause of insomnia. Some substances and activities which include your eating patterns can result in insomnia. If you consume alcohol or caffeine at a high level, they can make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Nicotine is another stimulant which can result in insomnia. Heavy meals before your bedtime can also cause sleep problems.

References

1. Cure Insomnia – Six Steps To Sleep
2. Insomnia
3. Insomnia