Why I Can’t Sleep|Cause of Insomnia.

To put it simply, insomnia is not being able to sleep. It is a common sleep complaint and is usually a symptom of another underlying disorder or problem. Different people have different reasons for insomnia and most of the times insomnia can be cured by making a few lifestyle changes or changing of a few habits.

Knowing the various causes of insomnia due to which you can’t sleep therefore will help you to identify the reasons for insomnia and if possible help you solve them on your own.

For example drinking too much caffeine during the day through tea or coffee could be your cause of insomnia which can be solved by cutting down on these beverages.

Below are listed 18 causes of insomnia due to which you can’t sleep. Identify your reason which causes difficulty in sleeping and take the necessary remedial measures. Medical causes of insomnia should be tackled by your doctor only and do not try any corrective self medication.

Image showing insomnia causes with prevalence by percentage.

 Causes of Insomnia|Reasons You Can’t Sleep.

• Drugs such as psychotic drugs, herbs, caffeine, cocaine, antihistaminics, amphetamines and synthetic broad spectrum antibiotics, pain relievers, diuretics, high blood pressure medication and corticosteroids. Consult your physician.
• Restless Legs Syndrome is a neurological disorder in which there is an irresistible urge to move the affected body parts (usually the legs) to stop odd uncomfortable sensations such as tingling, itching, crawling, burning, pulling, aching. This off and on urge interferes with your sleep. Seek medical help.
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Seek medical help.
• Pain caused by an injury or a disease such as Osteoarthritis.
• Hormonal imbalance which occur before menstruation and during menopause.
• Tension, stress, anxiety and fear due to certain life events. If this is a long-standing problem, see your psychiatrist. Chronic stress wreaks your hormonal balance  (cortisol and melatonin) which leads to insomnia.
• Mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder and dementia. Approximately half of patients who are diagnosed with insomnia suffer from psychiatric disorders. Seek professional help.
• Excessive alcohol intake or alcohol withdrawal. Give up alcohol or stick to limits of 2 pegs for men and one peg for women. Alcohol withdrawal can be effectively treated. Long term use of alcohol reduces the deep sleep stages of NREM sleep (stage 3 and 4) and also of REM sleep.
• Disturbances in the circadian rhythm due to jet lag or changing working shifts.
• Change in the physical environment like moving to a new place or starting a new job.
• Medical diseases such as hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies, Parkinson’s disease, acid reflux, kidney disease, cancer, sleep apnea.
• Abuse of sedatives and depressants. Avoid taking drugs on your own and without any indication.
• Poor sleep hygiene such noise and too much light in your bedroom. Adopt proper sleep hygiene measures. Cut off noise and artificial light from the bedroom and have a proper soft and firm mattress.
• Physical exercise before bedtime can cause increased sleep onset latency. Exercise is necessary but it is best to do it in the morning or afternoon. However if you have time constraints, exercise at least four hours before bedtime. Aerobic exercises make you go to sleep faster and get a good deep sleep.
• Heavy smoking causes insomnia because the heavy smoker experiences nicotine withdrawal every time after he goes to sleep. Try to give up the butt. You could follow tips mentioned under quitting smoking on your own or you could use quitting smoking help.
• Watching television or working on a computer before bedtime disturbs the circadian rhythm (biological clock) of the body. Avoid both these practices at least an hour before going to sleep.
• A long afternoon siesta can prevent you from easily going to sleep at night. A short nap of about 20 minutes is okay but avoid a longer afternoon sleep which will disturb your sleeping at night.
• Advanced age. Some elderly people find it difficult to go to bed possibly due to medication and an underlying disease. Though the elderly people can do with 6 hours of sleep, more than half the people over the age of 60 years suffer from some degree of insomnia.

Of the above  reasons due to which you can’t sleep,  some of them cause acute insomnia (less than 30 days) and some are associated with chronic insomnia (more than 30 days).

Causes of Acute Insomnia.

• Stressful situations such as caused by temporary occupational conditions, or an illness or a financial setback.
• Environmental disturbance during sleep hours such as noise.
• Death or a sickness of a loved one.

Causes of Chronic Insomnia.

• Chronic illnesses causing chronic pain or stress such as joint disorders, cancer, acid re-flux, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, hyperthyroidism, stroke.
• Certain medications needed to be taken over prolonged periods such as antidepressants, anti epileptics, bronchodilators, beta blockers, steroids, CNS stimulants, oral contraceptives,  etc.
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.
• Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression.
• Abuse of substances such as alcohol, caffeine, stimulants or their withdrawal.

Related posts:

1. Symptoms and Signs of Insomnia.
2. Sleeping Pills, Sleep Aids & Medications To Treat Insomnia.
3. What is Insomnia or Sleeplessness.
4. Sleep Aids To Help You Sleep.
5. Types of Insomnia.
6. Insomnia Treatment and Cure.
7. Effects and Complications of Insomnia.
8. Over The Counter and Natural Sleep Aids to Help You Sleep.