What are the various causes of insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder defined as the inability to sleep satisfactorily or to have any sleep at all. It is characterized by restlessness, sleep interruptions, a decreased in normal sleeping time, or, at worst, complete wakefulness.

Aside from the frustration that insomnia can cause its sufferers, this sleep disorder causes those afflicted to lack enthusiasm and energy, have memory and concentration problems, feel lethargic, frustrated and sleepy during the day. Worst case scenarios that may be brought on by insomnia are being prone to accidents, reduced work productivity and the aggravation of psychological and medical conditions.

So what exactly are the culprits that make insomnia such a frustrating sleeping problem?

1. Emotional Distress

Especially when it is from internalised anxiety, anger, worry or stress. These emotional problems frequently trigger insomnia

2. Substance Abuse

Drinking too much coffee, tea, colas or other "energy-upper drinks" is known to cause insomnia. Caffeine from these drinks is the main reason. Smokers can also be easy victims of insomnia because of the nicotine that cigarettes contain. Alcohol and certain medications can also make us prone to becoming insomniacs. Many people believe that alcohol, can make us feel drowsy. But when the alcohol gets metabolised in the system it can cause us to wake up suddenly in the early hours of the morning.

3. Circadian Disturbance.

Our "body clock? or circadian rhythm when altered, can seriously affect our ability to enjoy healthy sleep. This body clock disturbance can be caused by an irregular sleep schedule because of jet lag, shift work, too many naps or even staying up past our normal bedtime. Students are particularly at risk when staying up late studying for exams.

4. Environmental Factors

Extreme temperatures can disrupt one's sleeping patterns. Noise and bright lights can have the same effect. An uncomfortable bed or pillow can affect our quality of sleep too. Sleeping in an unfamiliar place such as a hotel can cause temporary insomnia.

5. Health Problems

Health disorders such as diabetes, heart problems, hyperthyroidism, ulcers, and Parkinson's Disease may also cause insomnia. Asthma may also be one health problem that makes us 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 reasons for insomnia. Snoring with prolonged pauses in breathing while at sleep, also known as sleep apnea can also cause restless sleep. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) causes periodic leg movements during sleep in which the muscles to twitch excessively is one underlying cause of insomnia. Another cause is narcolepsy which is a tendency to fall asleep during the day.

6. Pre-bedtime Activities

Engaging in vigorous activities such as exercise just before bedtime can cause problems falling asleep. Very gentle exercise such as stretching, yoga or qigong may help however as it enables us to reduce stress. Consuming large meals when one is just about to sleep can also cause us to experience insomnia. This is because our metabolism is raised, prompting us to stay awake.

Do any of the above apply to you? Paying attention to these causes of insomnia and doing what we can to address them may help us to break the vicious cycle and enjoy restful sleep once again.