What causes insomnia? To answer this question we must look into some of the possible factors that may be contributing to a person’s inability to get to sleep. There are two types of insomnia, acute or chronic. Acute insomnia lasts less than three nights and is usually associated with stress or anxiety. Chronic insomnia lasts at least three nights and is more likely to be caused by medical conditions such as sleep apnea or diabetes.
In order to understand what causes insomnia, it helps to explore some of the possible reasons why people get insomnia. One possible reason is changes in your sleeping habits. If you have always slept in a different pattern than you do now, you may find that as your habits change you begin to get more sleep. Perhaps you used to sleep in a particular way but are now waking up at different times. Or perhaps you just feel tired during the day and do not like switching from one activity to another.
Another possible factor that may be causing you to struggle with getting to sleep at night is due to side effects of prescription sleeping pills. These pills are designed to help people fall asleep, but they also contain certain chemicals that may have an effect on your body at night. Common side effects include confusion, drowsiness, a racing heart, and even hallucinations. If these side effects persist for longer than a few days, you should see a doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medication that is more effective.
Many people who suffer from insomnia also experience memory loss and having difficulty concentrating when they are trying to fall asleep. This can also be caused by changes in your sleeping environment. For instance, if you live in a noisy apartment or have a bed in a dorm room where the sound of passing voices wakes you up, you are more likely to struggle with falling asleep.
Stress can also be a big factor in causing problems while you are trying to sleep. People who are often stressed out tend to not fall asleep easily. A change in sleeping habits may be necessary if you are constantly stressed out. Avoiding caffeine, smoking, and alcohol might be one of the best ways to relieve some of your stress before you begin struggling to fall asleep.
If you are suffering from chronic insomnia, you should look to your lifestyle. What changes are you making in order to get to sleep? If your lifestyle has changed, such as eating more carbohydrates or taking in more caffeine, it could be causing your insomnia. You should also avoid taking in any drugs that are possibly addictive or that are classified as schedule I drugs. Finding out what causes your insomnia can help you treat it properly.