Why You can't Sleep: Insomnia Causes
Most of us have a sleepless night once in a while. However, when that sleep deprivation becomes chronic, it can affect our lives in many negative ways. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for insomnia, and they can range from simple home remedies to clinical or medical solutions that must be administered under a doctor's care. However, before treatment of this condition can begin, it is important to identify the insomnia causes. This way, treatment can be targeted to the specific reason for the interrupted sleep in the first place, and has a greater chance of effectively managing or even curing the issue.
Physical Reasons for Insomnia
Many of the insomnia causes are physical in nature, and are therefore best treated with the help of your doctor. For some, the reason for interrupted sleep is a medication, such as those for pain, depression or high blood pressure. Keep in mind that many over the counter medications can keep you up at night as well, including decongestants and weight loss pills. If medication is your insomnia cause, sometimes the easiest treatment is to stop taking the medication before bed or switch to another type that will not act as a stimulant. By the same token, it is best to avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine before bed, since these can act as a cause of insomnia also.
Other physical insomnia causes might include illnesses or conditions that result in chronic pain that can make it difficult to sleep. For example, many people who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis can suffer from insomnia as well, due to the pain that they experience throughout the day and night. The best treatment in these circumstances is to find a way to manage the condition and the pain so that sleep comes more easily.
Psychological Insomnia Causes
The loss of a job. The death of a loved one. Marital stress. All of these life events can be insomnia causes, as well as the culprits in conditions like anxiety, stress and depression. When you don't feel good psychologically, chances are good that you won't feel good physically either. Unfortunately, this can result in interrupted sleep, which will actually contribute to the original problem and begin the cycle all over again. In these types of insomnia causes, the best treatment might be to try relaxation methods at home or talk through your problems with someone you trust. In more severe cases, professional counseling might be in order as well.
Understanding the cause of your insomnia is the first step in finding an effective treatment option for you. If you are suffering from sleep deprivation, take some time to figure out why your sleep patterns have been interrupted. Then determine whether it is an issue that you can resolve on your own, or if you need professional help to do so.
