Causes of Insomnia
Certain conditions seem to make individuals more likely to experience insomnia. Examples of these conditions include:
* advanced age (insomnia occurs more frequently in those over age 60)
* female gender
* a history of depression
If other conditions (such as stress, anxiety, a medical problem, or the use of certain medications) occur along with the above conditions, insomnia is more likely.

There are many causes of insomnia. Transient and intermittent insomnia generally occur in people who are temporarily experiencing one or more of the following:
* stress
* environmental noise
* extreme temperatures
* change in the surrounding environment
* sleep/wake schedule problems such as those due to jet lag
* medication side effects

Chronic insomnia is more complex and often results from a combination of factors, including underlying physical or mental disorders. One of the most common causes of chronic insomnia is depression. Other underlying causes include arthritis, kidney disease, heart failure, asthma, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and hyperthyroidism. However, chronic insomnia may also be due to behavioral factors, including the misuse of caffeine, alcohol, or other substances; disrupted sleep/wake cycles as may occur with shift work or other nighttime activity schedules; and chronic stress.
In addition, the following behaviors have been shown to perpetuate insomnia in some people:
* expecting to have difficulty sleeping and worrying about it
* ingesting excessive amounts of caffeine
* drinking alcohol before bedtime
* smoking cigarettes before bedtime
* excessive napping in the afternoon or evening
* irregular or continually disrupted sleep/wake schedules
These behaviors may prolong existing insomnia, and they can also be responsible for causing the sleeping problem in the first place. Stopping these behaviors may eliminate the insomnia altogether.
Content Courtesy : www.nhlbi.nih.gov
^{Note : Information herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.}