what's the cause of insomnia?

Answer 1

Primary insomnia: Primary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems that are not directly associated with any other health condition or problem.

Secondary insomnia: Secondary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems because of something else, such as a health condition (like asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn); pain; medication they are taking; or a substance they are using (like alcohol).

Acute Vs. Chronic Insomnia
Insomnia also varies in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. It can be short-term (acute insomnia) or can last a long time (chronic insomnia). It can also come and go, with periods of time when a person has no sleep problems. Acute insomnia can last from one night to a few weeks. Insomnia is called chronic when a person has insomnia at least three nights a week for a month or longer.

What Causes Insomnia?
Causes of acute insomnia can include:
Significant life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving).
Illness.
Emotional or physical discomfort.
Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep.
Some medications (for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure and asthma) may interfere with sleep.
Interferences in normal sleep schedule (jet lag or switching from a day to night shift, for example).

Causes of chronic insomnia include:
Depression and/or anxiety.
Chronic stress.
Pain or discomfort at night.
What Are the Symptoms of Insomnia?

Symptoms of insomnia include:
Sleepiness during the day.
General tiredness.
Irritability.
Problems with concentration or memory.

How Is Insomnia Diagnosed?
If you think you have insomnia, talk to your health care provider. An evaluation may include a physical exam, a medical history, and a sleep history. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, keeping track of your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day. Your health care provider may want to interview your bed partner about the quantity and quality of your sleep. In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center for special tests.

How Is Insomnia Treated?
Acute insomnia may not require treatment. Mild insomnia often can be prevented or cured by practicing good sleep habits (see below). If your insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day because you are sleepy and tired, your health care provider may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time. Rapid onset, short-acting medications can help you avoid effects such as drowsiness the following day. Avoid using over-the-counter sleeping pills for insomnia since they may have undesired side effects and tend to lose their effectiveness over time.

Treatment for chronic insomnia includes first treating any underlying conditions or health problems that are causing the insomnia. If insomnia continues, your health care provider may suggest behavioral therapy. Behavioral approaches help you to change behaviors that may worsen insomnia and to learn new behaviors to promote sleep. Techniques such as relaxation exercise, sleep restriction therapy, and reconditioning may be useful.

Answer 2

Usually it's stress, like people have said here. Maybe you have too much pressure in your life. If this is the case, you need to learn how to unwind before bed. You need to set a routine for every night that is the same. I found that reading in bed for about an hour every night does the trick. It's quiet, I'm lying down, my mind isn't on my problems...it works. Another reason could be too much caffeine. Caffeine is in sodas, coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and diet pills. If you're going to have any of these, try quitting them several hours before bedtime. Another reason you might not sleep is if you have vigorous exercise too soon before bed. If you're working out in the evening, try switching it to another time. Finally, there are several medical conditions that can cause insomnia. Diabetes is one of them. If you've really done everything you can to relax at night and you just can't sleep, tell your doctor. He might prescribe a sleep aid, but ask him to do some medical tests for common diseases that could be causing your insomnia. Good luck!

Answer 3

Too much is going on in your mind during your awake hours. Your brain sorts things out into the right area (kind of like files) while you sleep. Your brain is still very active when you are ready to go to sleep and still processing things from the day. Worry less during the day, and your insomnia will go away soon without meds. If it is affecting you where little to no sleep occurs regularly, ask the Dr. to prescribe you Ambien. After 2 weeks you won't need it any more.

Answer 4

Lots of causes, but I'd venture to say number one is stress

Answer 5

Many reasons. For me, it's stress. Too many things on my mind.

Answer 6

i don't know the cause, but Groucho Marx said;" the best cure is a good nights sleep".

Answer 7

Causes of Insomnia
You might be surprised at the vast range of factors that can cause sleep problems. Health and lifestyle issues such as stress, illness, or sleep environment might be at play. Or you might have a sleep disorder that interferes with the quality of your sleep. Whatever the cause or causes of your insomnia, there are effective solutions.

Answer 8

in some cases head injuries

Answer 9

stress