Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep for multiple nights each week and/or for more than three months. There are a number of potential causes for insomnia, ranging from other medical conditions to lifestyle choices and sleep environment.

Medical Causes for Insomnia

Insomnia may be the result of other physical and/or mental health conditions. Insomnia is often experienced by people with:

Other sleep disorders, such as Restless Legs Syndrome and sleep apnea
Chronic pain
Hormone changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause
Mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety

Prescription and over-the-counter medications to treat these and other conditions, like allergies, can contribute to difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep.

Lifestyle and Situational Causes of Insomnia

Stress is a common cause of insomnia. Sleep problems can be caused by temporary stresses, such as workplace deadlines or spats with a partner or family member, or by major life changes, such as death, divorce or relocation.

Other lifestyle choices that can cause insomnia include:

Substance abuse
Overconsumption of caffeine or other stimulants
Nighttime eating and/or drinking that affects blood sugar levels during sleep
Sudden stoppage of a prescription or OTC sleep aid
Variable schedule (e.g. shift work)

Poor sleep hygiene, including sleeping in an environment with too much light, noise (including a snoring bed partner) or extreme temperatures, can also cause insomnia.

Insomnia Treatments

Some underlying causes of insomnia can be addressed through behavior and/or environment changes, like putting up blackout curtains, removing electronic devices from your bedroom and establishing a regular bedtime. However, if you have tried everything to get a better night’s rest with no success, contact Neurology & Sleep Medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our sleep specialist can help you identify the underlying cause of your insomnia and recommend the best treatment to improve your sleep.

Find out what’s causing your insomnia so that you can get the right treatment. Call Neurology & Sleep Medicine to schedule an initial consultation today.