What Causes Insomnia and Who Suffers From It?
Author: gladys906
It is commonplace for several people to suffer at least an occasional night of almost non-existent sleep. The causes of insomnia differ from person to person. What made a student insomniac varies from what caused a shift worker or a traveler or an employee to acquire such sleeping disorder.
Insomnia, which is the inability to sleep satisfactorily or to have any sleep at all, is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is characterized by restlessness, sleep interruptions, decreased sleeping time than the usual, or sometimes complete wakefulness.
Aside from the annoyance that insomnia can cause to its sufferers, this sleep disorder causes those afflicted to lose enthusiasm and energy, acquire memory and concentration problems, feel lethargic, frustrated, and of course sleepy. Worse cases that may be induced by insomnia is one's being prone to accidents, reduced work productivity and the aggravation of psychological and medical conditions.
So what exactly are the culprits that make insomnia one menacing sleeping problem?
1. Emotional Distress
More particularly when it is from internalized anxiety or anger, emotional problems can easily trigger this sleep disorder.
2. Substance Abuse
Drinking too much coffee, colas or other "energy-upper drinks" is known to cause insomnia. Caffeine from these drinks is the main reason. Chain smokers can also be easy victims of insomnia because of the nicotine that cigarettes contain. Herbal remedies, alcohol and other medications can also make one prone to becoming an insomniac. Some may think that alcohol, when consumed, can make one feel drowsy. But little did they know that in the long run, when the alcohol gets metabolized, sudden wakefulness will follow.
3. Biological Clock Disturbance.
Also known as circadian rhythm, one's body clock, when altered, can damage the amount of sleep one can peacefully enjoy. This body clock disturbance can be caused by an irregular slumber schedule because of too much siesta or partying too late at night. It can also be jetlag or body clock disturbance due to traveling by plane to some place where there is a different time zone. Other causes may be the grave yard schedules of workers and cramming review season for students induced by exams.
4. Environmental Factors
Extreme temperatures can disrupt one's sleeping patterns. Noise and bright lights can have the same effect too. Homesickness or when one is forced to sleep in an unfamiliar place is also one reason behind getting into the habit of not having enough sleep.
5. Health Problems
Health disorders such as diabetes, heart failure, hyperthyroidism, ulcers, and Parkinson's disease can also induce insomnia. Asthma may also be one health problem that makes one prone to insomnia because of an asthmatic's shortness of breath. Frequent urination, heartburn, and chronic pain from leg cramps, tooth ache and arthritis can also cause insomnia.
Psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and depression are also possible culprits for insomnia. Snoring with prolonged pauses in breathing while at sleep, also known as sleep apnea can also cause insomnia. Periodic arm and leg movements during sleep causing the muscles to twitch excessively is one underlying cause of this sleep disorder. Another cause is narcolepsy or one's lack of control on whether to stay awake or to fall asleep, is another cause of this sleep disorder.
6. Pre-bedtime Activities
Engaging to vigorous activities such as exercise just right before bedtime can deprive one of a good night's sleep. Consuming large meals when one is just about to sleep can also make one experience this sleeping disorder. This is because when metabolism is at its most active thus the body prompts one to stay awake.
Who are Prone to Insomnia?
Reports have it that 90% of people can acquire transient insomnia at some point in their lives. While an estimate of 30% suffers from its chronic form.
a. Women are said to be more at risk in acquiring insomnia because of the following reasons:
- Pre-menstrual syndrome with symptoms of irritability, depression and anxiety, and bloating due to menstruation disturbs a woman's sleeping pattern.
- Menopause can also change a woman's sleeping pattern.
- Pregnancy makes sleeplessness one common thing to happen.
b. Elderly people are also prone to getting insomnia because ageing alters one's sleeping patterns.
c. Depressed people have lighter slumbers compared to those who don't feel this psychological condition.
d. Students or younger ones who are conscious with their grades (because of cramming) can easily become insomniacs too.
With that vast information on what causes insomnia and who are at risk with this sleeping disorder, one can easily ward off this annoying condition.
What causes insomnia when one is tired at night?
I dont drink coffee or eat any caffeine in any form.
There are many causes, but they can include:
1. Emotional Distress
More particularly when it is from internalized anxiety or anger, emotional problems can easily trigger this sleep disorder.
2. Substance Abuse
Drinking too much coffee, colas or other “energy-upper drinks” is known to cause insomnia. Caffeine from these drinks is the main reason. Chain smokers can also be easy victims of insomnia because of the nicotine that cigarettes contain.
Herbal remedies, alcohol and other medications can also make one prone to becoming an insomniac. Some may think that alcohol, when consumed, can make one feel drowsy. But little did they know that in the long run, when the alcohol gets metabolized, sudden wakefulness will follow.
3. Biological Clock Disturbance.
Also known as circadian rhythm, one’s body clock, when altered, can damage the amount of sleep one can peacefully enjoy. This body clock disturbance can be caused by an irregular slumber schedule because of too much siesta or partying too late at night.
It can also be jetlag or body clock disturbance due to traveling by plane to some place where there is a different time zone. Other causes may be the grave yard schedules of workers and cramming review season for students induced by exams.
4. Environmental Factors
Extreme temperatures can disrupt one’s sleeping patterns. Noise and bright lights can have the same effect too. Homesickness or when one is forced to sleep in an unfamiliar place is also one reason behind getting into the habit of not having enough sleep.
5. Health Problems
Health disorders such as diabetes, heart failure, hyperthyroidism, ulcers, and Parkinson’s disease can also induce insomnia. Asthma may also be one health problem that makes one prone to insomnia because of an asthmatic’s shortness of breath.
Frequent urination, heartburn, and chronic pain from leg cramps, tooth ache and arthritis can also cause insomnia.
Psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and depression are also possible culprits for insomnia. Snoring with prolonged pauses in breathing while at sleep, also known as sleep apnea can also cause insomnia.
Periodic arm and leg movements during sleep causing the muscles to twitch excessively is one underlying cause of this sleep disorder. Another cause is narcolepsy or one’s lack of control on whether to stay awake or to fall asleep, is another cause of this sleep disorder.
6. Pre-bedtime Activities
Engaging to vigorous activities such as exercise just right before bedtime can deprive one of a good night’s sleep. Consuming large meals when one is just about to sleep can also make one experience this sleeping disorder. This is because when metabolism is at its most active thus the body prompts one to stay awake.
Risk Factors:
Reports have it that 90% of people can acquire transient insomnia at some point in their lives. While an estimate of 30% suffers from its chronic form.
a. Women are said to be more at risk in acquiring insomnia because of the following reasons:
- Pre-menstrual syndrome with symptoms of irritability, depression and anxiety, and bloating due to menstruation disturbs a woman’s sleeping pattern.
- Menopause can also change a woman’s sleeping pattern.
- Pregnancy makes sleeplessness one common thing to happen.
b. Elderly people are also prone to getting insomnia because ageing alters one’s sleeping patterns.
c. Depressed people have lighter slumbers compared to those who don’t feel this psychological condition.
d. Students or younger ones who are conscious with their grades (because of cramming) can easily become insomniacs too.
With that vast information on what causes insomnia and who are at risk with this sleeping disorder, one can easily ward off this annoying condition.
Prevention:
Balance and perspective:
At certain times, insomnia may result from stress.
Massage techniques can ease tense necks, aching shoulders and upright torsos, and face massage can be an instant calmer.
Some stress is an inevitable part of life, but when you need to achieve a state of inner calm, a range of meditation and visualization techniques can help you work through your insecurities, worries and anxieties.
With practice, stress can be diminished so that it is no longer a cause of sleepless nights.
A calm environment:
Lack of sleep can also be exacerbated by external factors such as noise, a “busy” atmosphere in the bedroom, or simply the wrong type of mattress.
By making the best of your physical environment, you can reduce or remove many of these detrimental factors.
Following the principles of feng shui you can arrange your bedroom space to best effect and remove clutter that can clog free-flowing “chi” or energy.
Choosing a calming room décor and lighting scheme can soothe the senses, while establishing a bed-time ritual can make sleep a pleasant and comforting experience to look forward to.
Pampering treatments:
In view of the many demands made by daily life, it is essential to find time to switch off from cares and worries in the evening, and indulge in some personal quality time.
However busy you are, you should take time to wind down before trying to go to sleep, otherwise your mind will still be buzzing with the concerns of the day.
Surrounding yourself with gentle candlelight and sinking into a hot bath laced with aromatherapy oils or herbal sachets can go a long way to soothe and prepare your body for sleep.
Essential oils such as lavender and clary sage added to the water help to diminish tension headaches and muscular aches, while bath bags or bath salts made with chamomile help to ease stress.
You can also use the natural energies from flowers and herbs as a base for warming foot baths, soporific sleep pillows and effective sleep tinctures.
Bedtime snacks:
You ate dinner at 6pm; it’s now 11.30pm and you’re ready to go to bed, but now you’re feeling hungry and thirsty again.
What do you do? Instead of raiding the refrigerator for a substantial and perhaps indigestible meal, it is better to opt for a light snack, such as toast with a topping and perhaps a hot, comforting beverage.
Try to avoid tea and coffee as they are stimulants and will tend to keep you awake if you drink them late in the day.
Instead, herbal teas prepared for their sedative properties may be sipped in the evening, while warm, milky drinks are ideal for consumption before bed – milk contains peptides that calm the system.
The occasional hot toddy can also provide a delicious way to wind down, and this is particularly good on a cold winter’s evening, especially if you are suffering from a cold.
Calming the psyche:
Sometimes it is difficult to sleep due to excessive emotions, such as fear, excitement or anxiety. Crystal therapy can help to calm heartache; choosing the right stones can also calm restlessness and anxiety, and help to regulate sleep patterns.
Crystals can be helpful when bad dreams and nightmares are keeping you awake, as can techniques such as visualizing a guardian angel or spiritual protector. When you have perplexing or mystifying dreams, it can be very helpful to write down what happened before you forget, so that you can ponder and try to analyze them later on.
Working towards an understanding of your dreams adds an enjoyable richness to what can be the fascinating pageant of sleep.
Exercise to relax:
Keeping the body moving is essential for good sleep – without exercise, you 3will not be physically tired enough to rest at night. Aerobic activities such as walking and cycling exercise the heart and tone the muscles, while some specific yoga techniques provide an excellent way to stretch and relax.
This free ebook downlod explains Insomnia causes and how to fix it naturally with home remedies and behaviour modification
http://www.thehealthsuccesssite.com/Sleep-disorders-free-health-book-download.html
What causes insomnia? and how can you make it go away?
I’ve had insomnia for about a while now and mom still doesn’t think i have any sleeping problems so she has refused 2 take me to the doctors. What can i do about my insomnia ? And why do people get it ? what age does insomnia start at? And is there anything to make it go away?
If you drink coffee or soda pop, make sure you stop by Noon, as that is one reason people get insomnia. I’ve had it ona nd off myself from my early teens, so there isn’t any set age where it starts. See a doctor for sleeping pills like Ambien if it continues.
My medication causes insomnia what can I do?
I have to take medication that causes insomnia and I hardly get any sleep. I usually sleep for about 4 hours a day and until my prescription runs out there is nothing I can do about it. Is there anyway to make myself sleepy?
Take the natural supplement Melatonin. I just took it 10 minutes ago and I’m already falling asleep. Good luck.
What causes insomnia after inner fire tummo meditation?
The first time I did tummo meditation… I went 48 hours without any sleep….
Tonight I practiced it for 3:00 hours… and now it is 3:00 a.m. and I still can’t sleep…. usually I sleep around 10:00 or 11:00 o’clock…. right now I’m not even tired…
Isn’t this what happens to your body when you are smoking marijuana?
Your insomnia probably has nothing to do with tummo meditation.
what causes insomnia and what are some ways other than taking meds to fall asleep?
My son, 26 has been having trouble sleeping. He says that it happens when he knows he has to get up early or when he has alot on his mind. Some days he says he feels he’s not in control of things.
Try Melatonin. You can find over the counter it at health food stores or in some pharmacies. It is not a sedative drug, but helps your natural sleep rhythms. Take it about one hour before bedtime. There are also relaxation techniques you can find online that will help him clear his mind.