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.
Insomnia may be the result of other physical and/or mental health conditions. Insomnia is often experienced by people with:
Prescription and over-the-counter medications to treat these and other conditions, like allergies, can contribute to difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep.
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:
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.
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.