Causes of Insomnia
Sleep is an integral component of good health. Without it, your brain and body cannot perform at their optimum levels.
Without enough sleep, you may experience fatigue throughout the day. Not getting enough shut-eye can also have an adverse effect on your mood and memory.
Insomnia is a widespread sleep disorder, impacting approximately one out of every three adults at any given time, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Sleep problems can have many causes, from emotional issues like stress or anxiety to lifestyle habits like going to bed late or waking up too early. In some cases, however, your insomnia could be due to an underlying medical condition or mental health issue.
Acute insomnia usually passes on its own after a few days. It may be caused by a temporary stressor like the loss of a job or new relationship, as well as changes to your work schedule (e.g., shifting shifts at work or traveling).
Chronic insomnia typically lasts more than a month and may be indicative of an underlying medical condition. It’s sometimes an adverse effect from certain medications or associated with other sleep disorders like narcolepsy, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.
Insomnia is a serious sleep disorder that can have long-term consequences on your life, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Therefore, if you suffer from chronic insomnia it’s essential to seek professional assistance. The first step should be identifying what’s causing your insomnia and then treating it accordingly.
