6 Common Causes Of Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the commonest of all sleep disorders and is characterized by frequent interruptions to sleep, restlessness, shorter than usual sleeping time and occasionally by complete wakefulness.

Aside from being very annoying, insomnia can result in sufferers losing their energy and enthusiasm, developing memory and concentration difficulties and feeling lethargic and frustrated. In turn this can lead to a reduction in work productivity and to accidents which may well have serious consequences.

There are many different things which can cause insomnia but here are 6 which are perhaps most commonly seen:

1. The Environment. Our environment is extremely important when it comes to getting a good night's sleep and things like light, noise or extremes of temperature can cause insomnia.

2. Substance Abuse. Perhaps the most obvious form of substance abuse when thinking about insomnia is coffee and other drinks which contain high levels of caffeine. Smoking is another commonly accepted cause with heavy or chain smokers consuming more than enough nicotine to cause problems sleeping. What is perhaps less well known however is that this list of substances is quite long and even contains a number of herbal remedies which are used for a range of problems and which can lead to insomnia as a side effect. Lastly, we should not overlook alcohol. While it is true that alcohol can often make you feel tired initially once it is metabolized it can also keep you wide awake.

3. The Biological Clock. We all have our own body clock or circadian rhythm which regulates the body's sleep/wake cycle. If this biological clock is upset by things like staying up all night partying, studying well into the small hours in college or flying off around the world on business or on holiday, then you will inevitably suffer from sleeping problems while your body clock slowly re-adjusts itself.

4. Activities Prior To Going To Bed. There is a list of things that can produce insomnia if they take place close to bedtime and two items at the top of this list are taking exercise shortly before going to bed or eating a big meal shortly before retiring. These particular activities stimulate the body's metabolism and keep you awake.

5. Health Problems. There are a large number of health problems that are known to induce insomnia including heart failure, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, ulcers, and Parkinson's disease. Asthma is also being seen more and more as a cause of insomnia, as is the need for frequent urination, heartburn and chronic pain resulting from things like arthritis and leg cramps. The list of medical conditions which can cause insomnia is very long and also includes other types of sleep disorder such as sleep apnea as well as a range of psychiatric conditions.

6. Emotional Difficulties. Nearly everyone suffers from emotional difficulties at times and this can frequently show itself as anxiety or anger. We also often tend to keep our feelings to ourselves instead of seeking an answer for them and this commonly leads to insomnia.