Insomnia - Causes



Transient insomnia is often caused by a temporary, upsetting incident in a person's life. For example, an argument with a loved one, a brief illness, or jet lag can cause the disorder. This form of insomnia usually does not require medical treatment. When the incident is resolved, a person's ability to sleep returns.

Biofeedback:
A technique that enables a person to gain some control over involuntary body functions.
Sleep disorder:
Any condition that interferes with sleep. The American Sleep Disorders Association has identified eighty-four different sleep disorders.

Chronic insomnia is caused by one or more of the following factors:

  • A medical condition or a treatment for a medical condition
  • Use of certain substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
  • A psychiatric (mental) condition, such as depression or anxiety
  • Stress, such as sadness caused by the loss of a loved one or a job
  • Changes in one's sleep patterns, as when one's job shift has been changed
  • Breathing problems, such as snoring
  • Jerky leg movements that occur when a person is just falling asleep
  • Nightmares or feelings of panic during sleep

Sometimes insomnia can be caused by the problem itself. That is, a person worries so much about falling asleep that he or she can't get to sleep. The more one worries about falling asleep, the harder it is to do.

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