Insomnia, also referred to as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder in which people have trouble sleeping.
They may experience difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep or waking so often and failing to sleep again.
Insomnia results in daytime sleepiness, reduced energy levels or an irritable mood.
Here are the causes of insomnia;
1. Depression, stress and anxiety
Sleep problems can be as a result of stressful events such as losing a job, a loved one among many others. Emotional and psychological situations such as anger, worry, grief and trauma also contribute to reduced sleep. Treating such problems is essential in resolving insomnia.
2. Unhealthy lifestyle
Insomnia can also be triggered by different activities such as taking short naps in the afternoon and unhealthy eating habits. Taking alcohol, caffeine and smoking cigarettes close to bedtime results to difficulty in falling asleep.
Taking a heavy meal in the evening can lead to discomfort and make it hard for your body to settle and relax. Spicy foods can also cause heartburn thus hindering a sound sleep.
3. Medical conditions
Those people who experience pain, discomfort or limited movement due to different medical conditions and their treatments may have difficulties falling asleep. Diseases such as asthma, allergies, acid reflux, kidney disease, arthritis, brain lesions, tumours, stroke and cancer can greatly interfere with sleep.
Medications that trigger insomnia include antidepressants, stimulants, corticosteroids, thyroidism and high blood pressure drugs and most pain killers.