The Causes of Insomnia

What are the causes of insomnia? The most common psychological problems include anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, insomnia may be an indicator of depression. Many people will have insomnia during the acute phases of a mental illness.

Physiological insomnia causes span from circadian rhythm disorders, sleep-wake imbalance, to a variety of medical conditions. Following are the most common medical conditions that trigger insomnia:

*Chronic pain syndromes

*Congestive heart failure

*Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

*Degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (Often insomnia is the deciding factor for nursing home placement.)

Certain groups are at higher risk for developing insomnia:

*Travelers

*Shift workers

*Seniors

*Adolescent or young adult students

*Those with chronic pain, cardiopulmonary disease

*Pregnant women

*Women in menopause

Insomnia causes can also be blamed on certain medications. Among them are certain over-the-counter cold and asthma preparations. The prescription varieties of these medications may also contain stimulants and thus produce similar effects on sleep. Medications for high blood pressure have also been associated with poor sleep. Common stimulants associated with poor sleep include caffeine and nicotine. You should consider not only restricting caffeine use in the hours immediately before bedtime but also limiting your total daily intake.

People often use alcohol to help induce sleep, as a nightcap. However, it is a poor choice. Alcohol is associated with sleep disruption and creates a sense of non-refreshed sleep in the morning.

A disruptive bed partner with loud snoring or periodic leg movements also may impair your ability to get a good night's sleep.