Insomnia

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Causes

 

Insomnia can be caused by physical, emotional and psychological factors, with stress being the number one contributor.

 

Factors include:
  • Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.
  • Medical illness, e.g. heart disease, respiratory disease, or disorders of the digestive system that cause physical discomfort or psychological stress or anxiety, resulting in sleep disturbance.
  • Heartburn, menopause, diabetes and arthritis.
  • Periodic limb movement disorder – a frequent involuntary leg movement – or restless leg syndrome with a tickling or aching sensation in the muscles of the legs.
  • Lifestyle factors – caffeine, alcohol, drug use, work patterns and prescription medications.


Biological factors are also a consideration as sleep may become lighter and more disjointed as you age. Your inbuilt biological sleep regulator can malfunction, encouraging you to remain awake longer, but also sleep longer, or to sleep earlier but rise early too.

Psycho physiologic ("Learned") insomnia is also more common than perhaps first thought. This is an inability to sleep through the worry of being unable to sleep! 

 

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