Top 5 Causes of Insomnia (and How to Treat Them)

Insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, from being too busy or stressed to having an underlying physical illness or psychiatric condition. If you suffer from insomnia, it’s important to figure out the cause so that you can be treated properly and get back to getting the quality sleep you need. Here are the top five causes of insomnia and how you can treat them.

1. Mood/Stress Insomnia, or the inability to fall asleep, is a very common issue that has many causes and effective treatments. The symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may only have trouble falling asleep while others might experience daytime sleepiness as well. For some people insomnia can be an occasional issue, but for others it can be chronic. There are different classifications for types of insomnia, so knowing the cause will help you identify what type you have and how to treat it.

2. Medical Issues Insomnia can be hard to diagnose, because many different medical problems can cause it. Some common symptoms include fatigue, a lack of energy, sleepiness during the day, and inability to stay asleep or stay awake. An insomnia treatment specialist will usually ask you about your symptoms and have you fill out a sleep diary for a few weeks before figuring out what's causing your insomnia.

3. Skipping Meals Many people do not get the recommended 8 hours of sleep per night, and this is a major cause of insomnia. Skipping meals can cause stomach pain and discomfort that make it difficult to fall asleep. When you do not eat regularly, your blood sugar may become low which then disrupts your circadian rhythm, which is why it becomes more difficult for you to fall asleep.

4. Caffeine Intake Caffeine can be an effective insomnia treatment because it alters brain activity, making people feel more awake. Caffeine is widely available, cheap and has fewer side effects than some medications; however, use should be moderate so you don't build up a tolerance or get dehydrated. It is not recommended that you drink caffeine less than four hours before bedtime because it can disrupt your sleep cycles.

5. Sleeping Environment/Bad Habits A relaxing environment is essential for a good night’s rest. Studies have shown people simply sleep better when their bedroom is optimized for light and noise levels, temperature, and comfort. And since sleep quality and duration are directly tied to other aspects of human health, a bedroom environment that promotes sleep can also improve how you feel while you’re awake. Best of all, creating the ideal bedroom doesn’t need to break the bank. There are several cost-effective ways to make your sleep space more soothing and suited for rest.