Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle and in menopause may play a role. Nearly everyone has an occasional sleepless night. They want to go to bed later and sleep later in the morning. However, some children and teens simply have trouble getting to sleep or resist a regular bedtime because their internal clocks are more delayed. Sleep problems may be a concern for children and teenagers as well. Older people typically use more prescription drugs than younger people do, which increases the chance of insomnia associated with medications. Sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome become more common with age. Issues that increase the need to urinate during the night - such as prostate or bladder problems - can disrupt sleep. Chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis or back problems as well as depression or anxiety can interfere with sleep. Also, the less active you are, the more likely you may be to take a daily nap, which can interfere with sleep at night. A lack of activity can interfere with a good night's sleep. You may be less physically or socially active. But older people generally still need the same amount of sleep as younger people do. With age, your internal clock often advances, so you get tired earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning. Sleep often becomes less restful as you age, so noise or other changes in your environment are more likely to wake you. Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it prevents deeper stages of sleep and often causes awakening in the middle of the night. Nicotine in tobacco products is another stimulant that can interfere with sleep. Drinking them in the late afternoon or evening can keep you from falling asleep at night. Coffee, tea, cola and other caffeinated drinks are stimulants.

Restless legs syndrome causes unpleasant sensations in your legs and an almost irresistible desire to move them, which may prevent you from falling asleep. Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night, interrupting your sleep. Examples of conditions linked with insomnia include chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), overactive thyroid, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Many over-the-counter medications - such as some pain medications, allergy and cold medications, and weight-loss products - contain caffeine and other stimulants that can disrupt sleep. Many prescription drugs can interfere with sleep, such as certain antidepressants and medications for asthma or blood pressure. Insomnia often occurs with other mental health disorders as well. Awakening too early can be a sign of depression. Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, may disrupt your sleep. Treating the medical condition may help improve sleep, but the insomnia may persist after the medical condition improves.Īdditional common causes of insomnia include:

Many people also experience heartburn, a backflow of acid and food from the stomach into the esophagus after eating, which may keep you awake.Ĭhronic insomnia may also be associated with medical conditions or the use of certain drugs. Having a light snack before bedtime is OK, but eating too much may cause you to feel physically uncomfortable while lying down. Computers, TVs, video games, smartphones or other screens just before bed can interfere with your sleep cycle. Poor sleep habits include an irregular bedtime schedule, naps, stimulating activities before bed, an uncomfortable sleep environment, and using your bed for work, eating or watching TV. Causes include jet lag from traveling across multiple time zones, working a late or early shift, or frequently changing shifts. Disrupting your body's circadian rhythms can lead to insomnia. Your circadian rhythms act as an internal clock, guiding such things as your sleep-wake cycle, metabolism and body temperature.

Stressful life events or trauma - such as the death or illness of a loved one, divorce, or a job loss - also may lead to insomnia. Concerns about work, school, health, finances or family can keep your mind active at night, making it difficult to sleep. Treating the underlying cause can resolve the insomnia, but sometimes it can last for years.Ĭommon causes of chronic insomnia include: Insomnia may be the primary problem, or it may be associated with other conditions.Ĭhronic insomnia is usually a result of stress, life events or habits that disrupt sleep.

Maintenance insomnia treatment