There are any number of reasons for insomnia, but most fall into one of three general categories. Insomnia is a sleep ailment in which a person has a problem falling asleep or, more often, staying asleep. Frequently, a person suffering from insomnia may wake up several times during the night, and, after waking up in the morning, not feel rested and refreshed.
Lack of sleep for a prolonged period of time may result in other problems, as well. You may encounter mood swings, develop a poor attention span and a general lack of concentration. You can become dull and morose and suffer from general fatigue, too.
In other words, insomnia means difficulty in falling asleep. A good night’s sound sleep every night is one of the essential requirements of life. When you have a sound sleep, your body rests and recoups its energy and repairs and recuperates all of the cells within. A good night’s sleep will help to safeguard your brain cells, is useful in preventing depression, is also anti-aging, and can even be life extending. A good night’s sleep will help you overcome stress and quickly recuperate from illnesses. When you experience sound sleep, your brain will sort out problems and will help you to come up with answers.
The basic symptoms of insomnia are inadequate sleep, reduced sleep and disturbed sleeping patterns, which may result in prejudiced thinking and judgment while performing tasks like driving. You may also have a reduced attention span either for study or work. In extreme cases, this may also finally lead to mental illness.
The other contributing factors for insomnia could range from psychological problems to physical disorders. The primary reasons for insomnia can be broadly classified into a few categories.
Psychological Reasons: Some of the psychological reasons for insomnia include conditions like anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder. These conditions fall into the category of mental disorders or ailments. Other psychological problems like tension, stress, anxiety and fear can also result in insomnia.
Drug Addiction: It is well known that drugs can also cause insomnia or sleeplessness. Taking any kind of stimulant will have an adverse effect on your brain and disturb your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Another cause of lack of sleep could be consumption of too much caffeine. Still other stimulants that can hinder a good night’s sleep cycle could be due to intake of harmful substances like ephedrine, methamphetamine, and cocaine,
Environmental Reasons: Change in environment could also be one of the reasons for insomnia. Some people are accustomed to sleeping in a particular place and consider that environment safe. Any change in this routine can upset your physical and emotional balance and may lead to a sleepless night. At times, minor changes like a new pillow or leaving the light bulb on may be enough for you not to sleep through the night.
Insomnia is not to be taken lightly. If you is suffering from insomnia, urgent action should be taken to deal with it. As already stated, insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, or can even be the result of unknown medical issues. If you are suffering from insomnia, especially chronic insomnia, you should start by seeing your doctor to ensure that you are not suffering from some inherent medical problem causing your sleeplessness.
Other reasons for insomnia exist, of course. However, if proper care is taken to avoid the problems stated above, insomnia can be kept at bay. To sleep or not to sleep is in your hands and you have to make a conscious decision to overcome insomnia and then take the actions necessary to make restful sleep a reality.
