So, what causes the insomnia then and how to overcome it?
Insomnia is not a standalone disease. In many cases it is caused by another illness, physical pain, or a side effect from medication or stimulating substances.
Among the things that cause an acute (short-term) insomnia are:
- Psychoactive stimulants: including certain medications, herbs, caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and alcohol withdrawal.
- Physical or emotional discomfort: bright light, uncomfortable temperature, noise, unfamiliar surroundings, and snoring partner…
- Physical pain or illness: wounds, internal dysfunctions, indigestion and toothache. Or — In women — hormone shifts preceding menstruation and during menopause.
- Interferences in normal sleep schedule such as working different shifts or jet-lag.
- And even physical exercise. Exercise-induced insomnia is common in athletes, causing prolonged inability to falls asleep (the so-called sleep onset insomnia.)
Also an insomnia or poor sleep quality can be a result of the sleep apnea – a disruption of the normal breathing during sleep, which interrupts the normal sleep cycle. It’s interesting that people with apnea may not even remember waking up from having difficulty breathing, but then they feel tired and sleepy during the day.
Causes of the long-term severe insomnia usually include:
- Depression or anxiety
- Chronic stress
- Chronic pain
- And Mental disorders such as: clinical depression, general anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, phobias or obsessive-compulsive disorders.
While Insomnia can be caused by a number of psychological problems and medical conditions, stress is usually its main cause.
Stressful life situations and problems like: divorce or separation, death of a relative, losing a job, anxiety before tests and exams, work problems, financial concerns… As well as, fear, anxiety, emotional tension, social pressure and constant worry – all create stress that may lead to severe acute or even chronic insomnia.
Most likely it is a combination of several of these things. You can therefore overcome insomnia, or even completely end it, by tackling the things that cause your insomnia in the first place. Stuffing yourself with pills doesn’t help here. Whereas natural remedies for insomnia often do.
