Insomnia is caused by a variety of factors that can be physical, psychological, environmental, or lifestyle-related. Common causes include:
- Stress and Mental Health Disorders: Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health issues can keep the mind active or disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia
- Irregular Sleep Schedules and Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: Shift work, jet lag, or any changes that misalign the body’s internal clock can cause difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Poor Sleep Habits and Lifestyle Choices: Stimulating activities before bedtime (e.g., working late, using electronic devices), napping late in the day, inconsistent sleep times, and using the bed for non-sleep activities can contribute to insomnia. Consumption of stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, heavy or spicy meals late in the evening, and alcohol use can also disrupt sleep quality
- Medical Conditions and Medications: Chronic pain, heart disease, asthma, GERD, hyperthyroidism, neurological disorders, and sleep-related problems such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome are linked to insomnia. Certain medications, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, decongestants, steroids, and stimulants, can interfere with sleep
- Environmental Factors: Noise, uncomfortable temperature, or an uncomfortable bed can prevent restful sleep
- Age and Hormonal Changes: Older adults and post-menopausal women are more prone to insomnia, partly due to hormonal shifts
- Genetic Factors: A rare inherited condition called fatal familial insomnia causes severe sleep disruption
Overall, insomnia often results from a complex interaction of these factors, with stress and lifestyle playing significant roles alongside medical and psychological conditions
