What Causes Insomnia and Sleeplessness

Are you wondering what causes insomnia and sleeplessness?

Most adults have experienced insomnia at some time in their lives, with an estimated 30% to 50% of the general population being affected by the lesser forms of the condition, and 10% experiencing the chronic form.

Insomnia is the result of many illnesses as well as a symptom of a number of sleep disorders with similar factors, such as difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep without interruption.

The causes of insomnia are numerable. Since it is itself generally a symptom of another condition, the cause could be anything from stress to a serious medical condition involving pain.

In trying to understand what causes insomnia, we need to realize that something so slight as the hormonal shift of menstruation, PMS, or the fluctuations in between can trigger insomnia in women. Hormones, including estrogen, play considerable roles in a woman's mental health and wellbeing, and any sudden withdrawal, fluctuation, and / or periods of low levels of estrogen change her mood and can result in days of sleeplessness.

What causes insomnia? Other life situations that affect both men and women are problems like anxiety, stress, emotional tension or fear concerning home, children or spouse.

Though many diseases, disorders and conditions can cause insomnia, especially short term or transient sleeplessness, some cases of insomnia are temporary and will only last as long as the situation. Examples of these might include changes in everyday routines, loud or excessive noises, temperature fluctuations (too hot or too cold), taking stimulants before bed (coffee, soda, chocolate), jet lag, or temporary medications.

In addition, men might unwittingly take on the challenges of financial stress, job security, or an impending promotion, as well as the need for a stimulant or a depressant, with the overwhelming result including sleeplessness; indeed, these circumstances contribute to what causes insomnia.

The factors for what causes insomnia might be physiological in nature and can range from an irregularity in the inner or biological clock to sleep apnea. Some of the more common medical reasons insomnia might be triggered by are many of the chronic health conditions - pain, fatigue and several conditions related to arthritis. Insomnia is also common for people who are separated, divorced, and especially those who are widowed.

Acid reflux can act up while trying to get to sleep, and restless leg syndrome is sure to present itself when everything has finally quieted down around a person. Since the medical condition may not readily go away, often symptoms such as insomnia do not either. This falls within the parameters of acute or chronic insomnia, lasting anywhere from three weeks to six months.

Pain is one of the foremost factors for what causes insomnia, short or long term, and it can be brought on by a host of medical conditions, including many that have to do with the heart; tumors; any sort of bodily trauma or degenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease; or the affects of old age in general, which is particularly true for those over 60.

Except to assist in targeting a specific sleeping difficulty for the short-term, the use of sleeping pills should be the last resort. Aside from carrying their own side effects, they can become addictive or further disrupt sleep patterns. Natural products or remedies have few side effects and if they do, they are for the most part mild.

As opposed to the initial help of a prescribed medication, natural remedies provide the best relief over long periods of time. They are most often less expensive and they provide other benefits to the body because of their natural healthful properties.

Having read about what causes insomnia, you may wish to learn more by reading the other related insomnia pages and articles.

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