A Quick Look At Insomnia Causes

Insomnia or sleep disorder is a very common disorder today. Insomnia causes are many in number. But they can be broadly classified in to three main categories. These are physical, psychological and temporary causes.

The psychological causes of insomnia include anxiety, depression and stress. A condition of tension, apprehension and helplessness is called anxiety. Anxious people usually develop symptoms like worry, fear and a sense of insecurity. Anxiety may occur due to strained relationships, financial insecurities and other such causes. It ultimately hampers healthy sleep.

Stress is also equally responsible for sleep disorder. Stress may be physical, psychological, social or economical. Stress of any kind affects the life style negatively and low quality sleep may be its major fallout. Depression is a particular mood. It is characterized by despair, discouragement and sadness. Depression can be very dangerous for over all physical health. Sleep disorder can be its major offshoot.

Some physical conditions also form major causes for insomnia. Physical factors include hormonal changes, reduced level of melatonin, pain heredity and some other such conditions. Hormonal changes in women during menstruation, menopause and pregnancy usually restrict their normal sleep routine. The level of melatonin also affects healthy sleep in an individual. Melatonin is responsible for the regulation of sleep. Its level decreases in old age.

Some major physical illness such as asthma, allergies, heart disease, hypertension and hyperthyroidism are responsible for the sleep disorder. Pain is the most potent cause of insomnia. Pain in any part of the body makes one restless. It frequently interferes with sleep. Family history is also associated with sleep disorder. It may be genetically inherited. That is why doctors enquire for the family history of a patient of insomnia. But there is no confirmed report of carrying such genes from parents to their children.

There are more than 70 types of sleep disorder. Some these sleep disorders can also be a cause of insomnia. Sleep apnea and leg movements are such sleep disorder. But people with no such factors associated with them may put up the question what causes insomnia. It should be made clear therefore that some temporary events may also cause low quality sleep. Any traumatic events like death of a near and dear or adjustment with a new place can upset an individual leading to lack of quality sleep.

Plane journey or hot arguments with someone may also be the cause of short period insomnia. Your work schedule also interferes with the sleep. Working in the night sleep interferes with natural routine of an individual and results in the sleep apnea. Medications have been found to be a major cause of concern for insomnia. Medications often cause various health complications. It also kills the body's natural adjustment with the environment. And last but not least insomnia causes also include intake of excess caffeine and alcohol.

Insomnia